Schumer, Gillibrand announce $1+ million in fed investment headed to north country for pandemic response planning

$1,013,534 From Feds Will Let Adirondack North Country Association Establish A Center For Pandemic Response To Arm Local Businesses With Individualized Resilience Plans

With Small Businesses Across The North Country Starting To Get Back On Their Feet, Newly-Funded Technical Assistance Will Help Provide Employees and Owners Much-Needed Predictability For Months Ahead While Strengthening Regional Economy

Schumer, Gillibrand: EDA Funding Will Help North Country Small Businesses Recover

WASHINGTON, DC —  U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today a more than $1 million federal investment in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. The money will set up the Adirondack North Country Association’s (ANCA) Center for Pandemic Response, a project to work with local businesses navigating the post-pandemic comeback in crafting recovery plans and build resilience into the regional economy. This translates into at least 210 jobs created and 1,425 more preserved.

“In these trying and unprecedented times, the federal government should continue doing everything in its power to support our small businesses and put local economies on track to recovery and that is why I insisted EDA funding for communities and businesses be included in the CARES Act that Congress passed to respond to COVID-19,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will help small businesses and entrepreneurs in the North Country weather this crisis and help the economy bounce back. I will continue to fight and make sure that small businesses and local New York economies have the tools and support they need to build back better from this crisis.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic strained small businesses and entrepreneurs across New York State as costs surged and revenues dwindled,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to have fought and secured this CARES Act funding that will bring more than $1 million in federal relief to help our local business leaders stay afloat, grow their businesses, and build economic resilience in our communities. Rebuilding our regional economies is dependent on companies like the Adirondack North Country Association, and this funding will help them create hundreds of jobs and opportunities right in Saranac Lake. I will continue serving as a fierce advocate to provide the resources needed to rebuild a strong and equitable economy.”

The funds, allocated by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) through its COVID-19 Business Assistance Program, are part of the $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs that Schumer played an integral role in getting included in the landmark CARES Act. Private investment will contribute about $250,000 to the Center as well.