Gov. Hochul Outlines Budget Proposal, Says it will have Significant Impact on Finger Lakes Region
Governor Kathy Hochul was in Rochester today to announce details of key proposals from her Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget she says will grow jobs and boost the economy in the Finger Lakes region.
The governor’s plan is to invest about $20 million to support higher education projects, $96 million for infrastructure and $15 million to go towards upgrading green spaces in the region.
"My administration is not just talking about making the Finger Lakes region more affordable, more livable, and safer - we are providing the resources to make it happen,” she said.
The Governor's budget also includes several initiatives to invest in higher education and improve local attractions across the state. For the Finger Lakes Region, the plan includes:
• $2.6 billion in School Aid for the Finger Lakes Region
• $222.5 million increase in Foundation Aid
• $96 million for transportation funding, including to replace the I-490 bridges and renew the pavement on Route 104
• $20 million to further modernize Cornell AgriTech's Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture
• $45 million for GO SEMI: Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management and Integration, which will support the expansion of the semiconductor manufacturing industry throughout Upstate New York, which is already underway with projects like Edwards Vacuum building a $319 million facility in Genesee County's Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park and Corning Inc. expanding their advanced optics production in Fairport
• $17 million to expand technical training, including the nation-leading precision optics program, which provides much-needed technicians for the semiconductor industry
• 15 million to upgrade parks across the region to add and improve much-needed green space
• $10 million to expand the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House to include a new visitor center to accommodate significantly more visitors to one of Rochester's main attractions
• $4.5 million to build a Running Track Bridge as part of the ROC the Riverway initiative
• $1.4 million for Finger Lakes Community College Health Care Training Facility projects
The plan is receiving support from many local political leaders including Assembly member Harry B. Bronson, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, State Senator Jeremy Cooney and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans.
Evans said the governor’s proposal reflects shared values, shared priorities and shared belief that investing in Rochester is an investment in New York State.
“This budget builds on transformative, State investments already underway in Rochester and will accelerate our progress on a host of critical issues, including gun-violence prevention, lead-free housing, job creation, and the improved delivery of mental health services,” Evans said. “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to the Finger Lakes region and helping us advance our goals to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester."
