Executive Fiala Delivers 4th State of the County Address

Economic Development Initiatives Outlined and Major Capital Projects Updated

BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala focused a major part of her 4th State of the County Address on her administration's ambitious economic development agenda. One of the strategies Executive Fiala has pushed is the creation of business incubators for small start up enterprises. Today, Fiala announced that Broome County, Binghamton University, the Broome County Industrial Development Agency and Huron Campus in Endicott, are partnering on developing space for wet labs at the Huron Campus.

“We have been working on this issue for months now and Governor Eliot Spitzer's specific reference to the need for incubator space near the Binghamton University campus, in his State of the Upstate Address, was the needed catalyst to bring this project to fruition,” said Executive Fiala. “We are already rehabilitating a building in Downtown Binghamton for computer based high tech startups. That building is located at 123 Court Street. This new incubator space on the Huron Campus is for research and development that requires extremely specialized equipment, special vents and specific utilities.”

The research taking place at Binghamton University needs a place to be developed and commercialized. The Huron Campus is the preferred location because that is where the University's Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing is located. Companies come from around the world to Endicott to conduct research with the CAMM and to collaborate with others. Representatives of those companies also have a need for space for their own research initiatives.

Broome County is seeking funding from New York State Empire State Development for this project. Executive Fiala is also seeking to set up a $50,000 Grants for Growth fund. It would be matching dollars made available to help potential tenants at either of the two incubators to help get their business ventures off the ground. Executive Fiala would like to see that fund grow in the future but she believes it is a good start and a great investment.

During her State of the County address, Executive Fiala also outlined Broome County's other economic development initiatives which include; brownfield cleanup, identifying new areas for development, community image marketing as well as targeted industry marketing.

Fiala also highlighted what she calls her administration's sensible approach to controlling county finances. She says there have been no dramatic ups and downs in the spending levels or tax rates. She says a common sense approach that emphasizes reductions in spending and a cap on debt is moving Broome County in the right direction. Fiala also says the area's economy, while facing many challenges, is strong right now and still showing signs of growth.

Fiala also updated lawmakers and the community on the numerous capital projects currently being pursued by the county. Fiala says George Harvey will move forward rapidly as soon as the PLA question has been finalized. The Intermodal project will break ground this spring with a groundbreaking on the actual terminal building taking place this fall. Plans for a new nursing home are moving forward while the county seeks additional state assistance in clearing the site on the Binghamton Health Center Campus. And more than a million dollars has been allocated in the 2008 budget to begin carrying out the Broome Community College Master Plan recommendations for capital improvements.

“I feel Broome County Government is in a strong fiscal situation right now and our local economy is strong as well,” said Fiala. “We still have many challenges ahead but I hope that my office and the legislature can work together to overcome any obstacles and do what's right for a better Broome County.”

Fiala's State of the County speech can be viewed by clicking here: www.gobroomecounty.com/countyexec/pdfs/2008StateOfTheCounty.pdf

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Published Date: 02-28-2008