WCDO Radio News

Governor Hochul and US Senator Charles Schumer announced that BAE Systems is investing $65 million to expand operations in the Village of Endicott, Broome County. The company will add a total of 150,000 square-feet to its existing site to make way for the addition of a new battery production line and lab space, and new office space. As a result of the expansion, the company has committed to creating up to 134 good-paying jobs onsite. For additional information, visit: jobs.baesystems.com/global/en.

Governor Cuomo today announced 61 New York State businesses, community colleges and community-based organizations will receive $3.4 million as part of the state's Workforce Development Initiative.  Grant funds are provided by the Department of Labor, NYSERDA and The State University of New York.  Among the businesses participating in the Southern Tier are BAE Systems & Dick's Sporting Goods Distribution Center.

The state Senate IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO ALBANY THIS WEDNESDAY For a special session to pass several pieces of legislation.  The bills that are expected to pass include one that reforms the tax code, another that provides money for continued flood recovery and approves tax incentives (http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20121207/NEWS01/102020002/Libous-Tax-reform-flood-aid-BAE-incentives-pass?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE) to keep BAE Systems in the Southern Tier.  The package of bills would drop New York to the 6th highest income tax burden behind  Hawaii, California, Iowa, New Jersey and Vermont, the state has traditionally placed first or second in that dubious category.

Governor Cuomo met with local leaders in at the Greater Binghamton Airport, as well as BAE systems & Norwich Pharmaceuticals today,  regarding the success of last year’s southern tier regional economic development projects:

(Cuomo)

The southern tier economic development council won 1 of the 4 grants given out last year. 2 other councils in the WCDO Listening area also received awards last year.  10 councils are vying for 4 awards in the next cycle.

Governor Cuomo will visit Broome County today.  The governor is expected to tour BAE systems as part of the Regional Economic Development Tour.  Regional economic councils are vying for state funds for economic development projects.