BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than $38 million in Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative was awarded in the most recent round. The money will support 47 priority projects across the state, including some here in Western New York including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"New York is not only going to recover from the pandemic, but will flourish, and this new funding will attract companies that will help fuel our post-pandemic economy," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "These awardees are going to bring good paying jobs to communities across the state, boosting local economies and bringing economic opportunity to all New Yorkers. I look forward to seeing the continued work of the Regional Economic Development Councils as they help usher in a more prosperous New York for decades to come."
Roswell Park is receiving a $2.06 million ESD grant for its Biologic Therapies Facilities (BFT) project, which is in its second phase of development. The project will renovate the second floor of the Cancer Cell Center of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centers' campus and add five more clean rooms in addition to providing the necessary equipment for research.
The BFT project is part of unique development platforms of immunotherapy developed at Roswell Park and the acceleration of introduction of those therapies.
Other projects that have been awarded significant grants include various water and sewer infrastructure projects and the Western New York Incubator Network (WIN) with the University at Buffalo, which is a consortium of business incubators in the WNY region to help entrepreneurs grow.
$2 million has also been awarded to Buffalo Studios to create facilities to support the film, television, and gaming industries.
The Olean Center Mall redevelopment also received a grant of $2 million for mixed-use development including senior housing.
The full list of projects to be approved for funding is available from the state.