Massena Mayor Tim Currier and Clarkson University President Tony Collins are each praising the recently ratified state budget deal, including a $1.5 billion competitive economic development initiative and rural broadband access funding.

The plan pits statewide Regional Economic Development Councils against each other, and Collins is chair of the North Country Council.

“The $1.5 billion Upstate Revitalization Initiative, which we know our region is in a good position to compete for, would bring significant growth to the North Country,” Currier said.

“The North Country is well positioned to compete for an award from the $1.5 Billion Upstate Revitalization Fund,” Collins said. “We have an unprecedented … (for) employment opportunities for veterans in our communities while further advancing big ideas in advanced manufacturing, agriculture and green energy, tourism and renewal of our community infrastructure.”

Each leader says giving rural areas broadband access could bring much-needed jobs to economically depressed areas.

“Ensuring high-speed broadband access will have great economic impact to this region. Here in Massena, access to high speed broadband along with cheap, clean power puts us in a strong position to attract business,” Currier said.

“We have the vision in place to take full advantage of connecting our entire region to the global marketplace, along with the track record to make this kind of investment work in rural communities,” Collins said. “This is a game-changing investment plan, and one with real potential to bring new jobs to the North Country in its implementation, and to simultaneously transform everything from classrooms to businesses to municipal governments across Upstate New York.”

He says he believes the ethics reform provisions, school aid, economic development competition and spending at the Ogdensburg port will help the North Country.

Currier’s statement:

“I am very pleased with several parts of the budget deal reached by our state leaders last night. All sides compromised which indicate the Governor and Legislature are working together to move our state forward.

• Ethics reform is vital. Albany must be more transparent and our elected leaders must be held to a high standard.

• Investing more in public education will yield improved results in everything we try to accomplish in this state. North Country schools are struggling and increased funding will help education and our local economy.

• The $1.5 billion Upstate Revitalization Initiative, which we know our region is in a good position to compete for, would bring significant growth to the North Country.

• Ensuring high-speed broadband access will have great economic impact to this region. Here in Massena, access to high speed broadband along with cheap, clean power puts us in a strong position to attract business.

• The improvements at the Port of Ogdensburg will grow our ability to move commodities to and from our region. Water transportation of products is safe, reliable and efficient. The St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital partner in Massena, as well as this region, so investment in it will help us grow.

• Local Capital Aid for Extreme Winter Recovery funds is needed. It was a hard winter on our roads and infrastructure. Relief to our local budgets is great news.

In my view, the budget deal reached brings great potential for Northern New York. If we work together as a region I am confident we can improve our economy while retaining our great quality of life.”

Collins’s statement:

“The North Country and New York State will benefit greatly from the budget passed on time today by Governor Cuomo and our legislature.

Based on the strong collaboration among public-private partners and broad public participation from residents across the region that began four years ago under the Governor’s transformative Regional Economic Development Council process, the North Country is well positioned to compete for an award from the $1.5 Billion Upstate Revitalization Fund. We have an unprecedented opportunity to magnify our commitment to Fort Drum and employment opportunities for veterans in our communities while further advancing big ideas in advanced manufacturing, agriculture and green energy, tourism and renewal of our community infrastructure.

Likewise, the Governor’s launch of a $500 million broadband program to ensure statewide high-speed broadband access also puts the North Country front and center in this one-of-a-kind plan. We have the vision in place to take full advantage of connecting our entire region to the global marketplace, along with the track record to make this kind of investment work in rural communities. This is a game-changing investment plan, and one with real potential to bring new jobs to the North Country in its implementation, and to simultaneously transform everything from classrooms to businesses to municipal governments across Upstate New York.

This 2015-16 budget further propels the North Country to lead the economic renaissance of our state's small cities and rural communities.”