September 2015
The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council last week designated 24 priority projects currently under consideration for funding through New York State’s 2015 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), including nine projects whose applications were researched, written and submitted by Choice Words LLC, a New Paltz-based grant writing and strategic communications firm.
The “priority project” designation by the Regional Council recognizes transformative projects that have the potential for significant regional impact while meeting key regional goals. The designation also greatly enhances the chances that a project will receive state funds when the grant awards are announced later this year, said Choice Words President Steve Densmore.
“I am extremely pleased that the Mid-Hudson Regional Council has designated nine of our clients to be priority projects this year. They each represent exciting new economic development initiatives for their communities and the region. This designation greatly enhances their likelihood of coming to fruition,” Densmore said. “This is an extremely competitive process and nearly 350 CFAs were submitted from the region this round, so this is very encouraging for our clients and their projects.”
The nine projects, host counties, and estimated development costs, are:
— The Walkway Visitor Facility Improvement and Accessibility Project, Dutchess and Ulster counties, $3.18 million;
— Bellefield at Hyde Park, a luxury hotel, spa and conference center, Dutchess County, $94 million;
— Wildberry Lodge, an indoor water park, resort and conference center, Ulster County, $81 million;
— Stewart Airport Infrastructure Improvement Project, water and sewer system improvements, Orange County: $14.1 million;
— Ironworkers Local 417, expansion and enhancement of Ironworkers Training and Education Center, Orange County, $2.17 million;
— Warwick Valley Wine Co., expansion of Black Dirt Distillery bottling line and tourism enhancements, Orange County, $1.6 million;
— Queen City Lofts Housing Project, nearly 70 artists’ apartments, gallery and commercial space in the City of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County $22.1 million;
— Roscoe New York Beer Company, expansion of existing brewing and hops operation, Sullivan County, $589,000;
— Heritage Restoration Properties, creation of new bottling line in the City of Middletown to facilitate expansion and relocation of existing business, Orange County, $925,000.