The State of Upstate

BUFFALO- During the first ever State of Upstate Address delivered by Governor Elliot Spitzer today in Buffalo, investment in New York agriculture was a featured component of the $1 Billion investment plan he outlined for Upstate New York. Governor Spitzer named four members of the New York State Legislature who have made it clear that agricultural investment is vital to restoring the economy of Upstate New York. Included among those four members of the State Legislature who have made it clear to the Governor that agriculture is important to any economic revitalization plan for Upstate New York is Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent).

In addition to thanking Assemblyman Aubertine for the efforts that he has made on behalf of New York's farmers, Governor Spitzer addressed the efforts that the State of New York made in conjunction with local and Congressional leaders to help bring additonal troops to Fort Drum. The State's plan to invest and develop $10 million of new housing was reported to be integral to the effort to secure the Army's commitment to restation an additional 1900 soldiers to Fort Drum in the near future.

Governor Spitzer mentioned four cities, including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Plattsburg, and most important locally, Ogdensburg as communities he hoped would benefit from the efforts he has proposed to attract investment from Canada.

Finally, Governor Spitzer mentioned Jefferson Community College as one of the institutions he hoped would benefit from his plan to create a $4 billion permanent endowment for the State University system.