SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $193,000 IN RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR THE NORTH COUNTRY

USDA Funding Will Be Used To Expand Local Business Efforts

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $193,381 in federal funding for the North Country Chamber of Commerce, St. Lawrence County IDA, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of SLC. The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program. Specifically, the North Country Chamber of Commerce will receive $74,000 in federal funds to provide training through the Program Director of the North American Center of Excellence in Transportation (NAmTrans) to upgrade transportation equipment and aerospace cluster in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and St. Lawrence Counties. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of SLC will receive $71,760 in federal funds to provide technical assistance for a local food initiative. St. Lawrence County IDA will receive $47,621 in federal funds to purchase equipment to lease to LC Drives, a startup business located in the village of Potsdam.

“This federal investment is a shot in the arm for the North Country economy,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds for the North Country Chamber of Commerce, St. Lawrence County IDA, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of SLC will help boost economic development in the region. Investing in folks here in the North Country is essential for the wellbeing of New York’s economy. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue to fight to make sure that rural communities have the tools they need to grow and prosper.”

“This is an important investment for the North Country,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds will help the North Country Chamber of Commerce, St. Lawrence County IDA, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of SLC expand local business opportunities in the community. I will continue to fight for funding in the Senate that will help boost the local economy and create new opportunities for good-paying jobs in New York.”

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.  This funding is awarded through the Rural Business Development Grant program, administered by the USDA’s Rural Development agency. The Rural Development agency is committed to improving economies and lives in rural America, through loans, grants and loan guarantees. They support local businesses, individuals and communities by promoting economic development, offering loans and providing technical assistance.

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