Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After securing Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster's spot as a finalist for a $100 million Economical Development Administration (EDA) Regional Challenge grant, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer Monday launched a push for feds to select Western New York for access to the money.
"So that's why I'm here," Senator Schumer said. "To make sure the federal government hears me loud and clear when I say they should select Western New York for up to $100 million to accelerate the region's rise as a top national tech hub, and cement Western New York as the nation's next manufacturing lab."
There were over 500 applicants of the grant and the list has been shortened down to 40. "As you know, last year, I was proud to announce that Western New York's Advanced Manufacturing Cluster project was put on the shortlist, there were hundreds of competitors and now they're about 40 left and 10 are going to get the grants of $100 million to help build themselves into a tech hub," Senator Schumer said.
$500,000 in technical assistance has already been received to help develop Phase 2 of the application. According to Schumer, these funds have helped form a coalition from both private and public sectors committed to strengthening the Western New York's advanced manufacturing and the next- generation of skilled workers. Over 1600 new jobs are projected if this funding is received. "They'll get good paying jobs that create a good life for themselves. They'll have solid middle class lives for the rest of their existence so that's a great thing to ladder up," Schumer said.
Schumer also highlighted the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), which will continue to provide funding for new manufacturing hubs. "I am an author of a law, that is called USICA, which is going to create ten tech hubs and I want Buffalo to be one of those hubs."
CEO and Chairman of M&T Bank René Jones highlighted the history of technology and Buffalo and is confident that collaborating with universities, government and financial systems will be a recipe for revitalization of the region, "As you all know, this city has a very compelling history and all of the component parts and elements to make it a modern attraction for tech talent. I think what's most unique about what we're doing here is, we've gotten to a point where we're working between financial systems, manufacturers, the universities, state and local governments and our economic development engines all together and in a very inclusive way to make a difference in the future of Western New York."
To hear the full press conference, click the link in the player below: