Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,500,000 in federal funding for Clinton County. The funding will be used to redevelop 30 acres of land that was previously the Clinton County Airport into a new industrial space and technology park in the Town of Plattsburgh. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Public Works Program. Senator Gillibrand sent a letter of support in June urging the EDA to approve of this funding.
“This federal funding to build a new industrial park in the Town of Plattsburgh will be a major shot in the arm to the North Country economy, bringing 150 good-paying jobs to the region and opportunities for serious economic development,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce this federal investment that will allow the Town of Plattsburgh to finally repurpose its long-defunct airport into a shovel-ready site to push the region’s economy into the future and will always fight to ensure North Country communities have the federal support needed to thrive.”
“I am happy to announce this funding for Clinton County, which will be able to turn the old Clinton County Airport into a new industrial park in the Town of Plattsburgh,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This will help attract new businesses to the area, creating local jobs and growing the economy in the North Country. I was proud to fight on behalf of Clinton County for this funding, and I will continue working in the Senate so that communities have the resources they need to be successful.”
“Redevelopment of the former Clinton County Airport is essential to the continued growth of the region’s manufacturing economy. The funding which will now be available to Clinton County through the Economic Development Administration, which was obtained with assistance from our federal partners, and will allow for the construction of water, sewer and road infrastructure. This will enable access to additional acreage at the site for industrial development, building on the success of the recent Norsk Titanium and Monahan Medical projects,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “The local partnership has been extraordinary, including matching funds from Clinton County, the Development Corporation, and the Town of Plattsburgh. We thank the EDA for their investment in the region and would also like to thank and recognize the partnership of our federal representatives – Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and Congresswoman Stefanik for their support in this effort.”
The EDA’s Public Works program helps underserved communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure to attract new industries and businesses, expand local economies, and create new jobs. More information can be found here.
The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter may be found here and below.
The Honorable John Fleming, M.D.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
United States Department of Commerce
United States Economic Development Administration
1401 Constitution Ave, NW
Suite 71014
Washington, DC 2023
Dear Assistant Secretary Fleming,
I write in support of the application submitted by Clinton County for funding from the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs through the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA). This funding will be used to redevelop the infrastructure of the vacant former Clinton County Airport site in the Town of Plattsburgh, creating a shovel-ready industrial space that will increase the opportunity for economic development.
Clinton County is located on the shores of Lake Champlain near New York’s northern border with Canada. Occupying over 1,000 square miles, its population is comprised of 82,128 residents according to recent census data. Clinton County is home to multiple educational institutions, such as Plattsburgh State University College and Clinton Community College. In the past decade, this economically distressed community has endured significant financial challenges with the closure of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base.
The requested funding will be used to support infrastructure projects to develop a shovel-ready industrial and technology park. Currently, Clinton County has utilized its proximity to Canada to position itself as an attractive location for U.S. operations of Canadian companies. Specifically, it has been successful in attracting world-class transportation equipment and aerospace companies, creating an opportunity for additional manufacturing growth in the years ahead if it can create shovel ready industrial space. This timely strategic investment in this unique economic ecosystem will ensure the county’s continued growth and success in the global economy.
I ask that you please give this application your full consideration. If you have any questions, or desire further information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff member Dominic Sanchez at (202) 224-4451.
Sincerely,