Long Island was awarded $98.3 million in state aid for construction and other projects that boost job creation in the state’s annual economic development competition, making it one of the so-called “top performers” in the program.
The state funding covers 121 Long Island projects, including $3 million for Nassau Hub site improvements, $2.25 million to develop new vaccines at Farmingdale State College and $1.6 million to help Winthrop University Hospital expand its diabetes and obesity research.
“This year’s round of awards demonstrates the progress that has been made in changing the trajectory of our economy and continues our commitment to investing in the future of New York State,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in announcing the prizes. He also lauded Long Island’s plan to “create cohesive education and workforce training strategies” and rejuvenate the local manufacturing sector and “produce a new generation of sustainable, well-paying jobs.”
The $3 million for the Nassau Hub will help move forward a planned 188,000 square feet of development and help “attract and drive new high-tech businesses and innovation to the Nassau Hub,” he said.
A consortium including bio-tech startup Codagenix, Farmingdale State College, Nassau Community College, Broad Hollow Bioscience Park and Startup-NY will receive $2.25 million to develop a “biotech pipeline from middle school through college” related to vaccines Codagenix is developing.
All 10 of New York’s 10 eco-dev regions receive aid, but big winners in the contest receive a greater share. The Island also won top performer awards in 2011, 2013 and 2014 and was a runner-up in 2012, securing a total of $326 million for almost 350 projects.
