A $1.2 million grant to build a three-story, 64 room Microtel hotel near exit 27 on the City of Amsterdam’s south side was just one of the major projects that was awarded funding at an announcement ceremony held today in Albany as part of New York State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Mayor Michael Villa attended the event and said earlier today that he was pleased with the awards that the region received and recognized the efforts of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development council.
“We’re thankful to [NY State] that they recognized Amsterdam and really the Mohawk Valley, it benefits all of us,” said Villa. “The more projects we have, the more visitors we’re likely to attract.”
The grant was the largest of three projects awarded that the Amsterdam Industrial Development Agency applied for. The agency also secured a $50,000 grant to begin creating a new business park near the corner of Lyons Street and Forest Avenue. The grant is for finishing design work, acquiring additional property, and beginning the installation of water and sewer at the site.
A $70,000 grant was also secured by the agency for Mohawk Fabric Company for the purchase of equipment to increase manufacturing capacity at their Guy Park avenue facility.
A $1 million grant was secured by Montgomery County to go toward a project to develop apartments, commercial space, a culinary incubator, and a riverfront banquet hall on the former Chalmer’s property on the city’s south side. KCG Development entered into a purchase agreement with the city for the property in October as part of its plans to develop the site. The project consists of two phases, estimated to cost $20 million each.
The county also secured $200,000 for a microenterprise grant program, $300,000 to rehabilitate the Old Montgomery County Courthouse, and $30,000 for waterfront revitalization planning in the Village and Town of St. Johnsville, Village of Fort Plain and Town of Minden.
Other area notable projects awarded funds included:
- A $240,000 for Vida-Blend LLC to construct a new 14,000 facility in the Town of Florida business park.
- A total of $526,750 in funding for the Village of Fonda to build improvements at Canalside Park, which will include a boat docking system, a large parking area for campers, a bathroom facility, a shelter/entertainment pavilion, a veteran’s memorial, and other amenities.
- $500,000 in funding secured by Mohawk Valley Collective for the restoration of two historic buildings in the Mohawk Valley: Unity Hall in Fort Plain and West Hill School in Canajoharie.
- $345,120 secured by Friends of Fort Plain to create a cultural heritage center that will include an authentic Erie Canal store facade.
Click here to view a full list of NY State projects that were awarded funding.
