Public workshops held statewide will educate and assist potential applicants with CFA process

REDC Round V Makes Up to $750 million in economic development funding available from over 20 agency programs

Empire State Development today announced the launch of the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) workshops for potential applicants to learn more about the application process for Round V of the Regional Economic Development Councils, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s initiative to stimulate job creation and economic growth throughout the state. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, statewide chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC), kicked off the public forums by hosting the first workshop yesterday in the Capital Region. This year, up to $750 million in economic development resources are being made available from more than 20 state agency programs.

“The REDC initiative has transformed how we approach economic development in New York State, successfully delivering nearly $3 billion to thousands of projects that are creating jobs and revitalizing communities across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. “With Round V underway, potential applicants from all corners of New York are fine tuning proposals to submit before the July 31 deadline. The CFA workshops are an integral part of this process as they educate potential applicants on the process and provide key advice on how to submit a strong application that will further implement our region’s strategic plans. I encourage prospective applicants to attend these workshops and look forward to the great projects and proposals that will strengthen and grow our economy.”

The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) was established in 2011 to streamline the application process. The CFA allows an applicant to access multiple funding sources from dozens of existing programs through one comprehensive application, significantly simplifying the process for seeking state funding. The CFA serves as the single application projects must complete to be eligible to access the up to $750 million in state resources made available through the REDC initiative.

The CFA workshops will be held throughout May and June at over a dozen locations in all ten regions of the state. The workshops will include an overview of the application and CFA process followed by informational breakout sessions on specific areas of funding available for economic development projects.

The 11 state agencies and authorities whose funding will be made available through the CFA process are Empire State Development; NYS Canal Corporation; NYS Energy Research and Development Authority; Environmental Facilities Corporation; Homes and Community Renewal; Department of Labor; New York Power Authority; Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Department of State; Department of Environmental Conservation, and Council on the Arts.

The CFA opened to applicants on May 1 with a deadline of July 31 at 4 p.m., allotting more time than past years for the Regional Councils to solicit and identify projects in their areas. Once the CFA is submitted by the applicant, it goes to the local Regional Council to be reviewed and ranked as part of its strategic planning process.

For the full schedule of CFA Workshops, click here.

The list of specific resources available in Round V, as well as application materials and 2015 guidebook are available online at http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC) is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. After four rounds of the REDC process, nearly $3 billion has been awarded to more than 3,100 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, supporting the creation or retention of more than 150,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov .

###