New York State Fair has new interim director

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GEDDES, N.Y. — The New York State Fair has new interim leadership, while the previous director has a new role with different duties related to fairs across the state. Sean Hennessey will serve as the State Fair’s new assistant director and as interim director for this year’s State Fair, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard […]

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GEDDES, N.Y. — The New York State Fair has new interim leadership, while the previous director has a new role with different duties related to fairs across the state.

Sean Hennessey will serve as the State Fair’s new assistant director and as interim director for this year’s State Fair, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball announced May 25.

He has been serving as assistant commissioner for operations at the New York State Department of Transportation.

At the same time, Ball also announced that former State Fair director Troy Waffner will move into the newly created position of agricultural fair development director.

This year’s State Fair is scheduled to run between Aug. 25 and Sept. 5.

Waffner’s new position

In his new role, Waffner will evaluate ways to increase marketing and promotion of county fairs as well as opportunities to improve youth and agricultural programming initiatives at all fairs statewide.

Waffner’s move to the new role is “part of Gov. Hochul’s bold investment in agriculture and plan to support growth and revitalization opportunities for all fairs in New York,” per the online announcement.

This announcement comes as part of Hochul’s September 2021 plan to “facilitate greater coordination” among county fairs in 2022.

“The Great New York State Fair is a tradition and cultural institution across the state and it has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the dynamic team that runs it. With the support of Governor Hochul and Commissioner Ball, we have made huge strides in growing the Fair,” Waffner said. “I am most excited for the next chapter in working with our agricultural fairs to assist them in marketing, promotion, and programming — these fairs are truly the heartbeat and highlight of agriculture in New York State.”

About Hennessey

The state says Hennessey has a “proven track record of successful management” of employees and systems within public agencies, including administration of large annual budgets and multimillion dollar capital projects. His additional experience as executive board member, booking agent, and spokesperson for the North Country Goes Green Irish Festival gives him “tremendous experience in coordinating and promoting large-scale cultural events such as the Fair.”

“The Great New York State Fair is an iconic attraction known around the world for its focus on entertainment and showing the best of New York agriculture. I am extremely grateful and humbled to be chosen as interim director, and to become a part of the team that makes the magic happen,” Hennessey said. “The team at the Fair is first rate, and I know that my extensive operations and emergency management experience, coupled with my years of volunteer work, will be a great complement to their hard work. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves immediately and get to work with the team to put on the best possible show for fairgoers in 2022.”

Rome Health emergency department receives award of excellence

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ROME, N.Y. — The Midstate Regional Emergency Medical Services Council recognized Rome Health at its May 20 annual awards banquet, which celebrates the people and organizations that provide the system of care that supports the community through emergencies. Rome’s emergency department (ED)received the Commissioner of Health’s Award of Excellence for remaining open and accessible even

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Rome’s emergency department (ED)received the Commissioner of Health’s Award of Excellence for remaining open and accessible even as the patient volume surged with each COVID wave.

In his nomination, Paul Taylor, AmCare Ambulance Service, Inc. president and CEO, praised the Rome Health emergency department, under the leadership of Medical Director Andrew Bushnell and Director Kelly West, for never turning away emergency medical services (EMS) units and working quickly to get those units back into service to meet the community’s needs.

“During the pandemic, all facilities were receiving a significant increase in their case loads,” he said in a news release. “Rome Health was no exception. While all Mid-State regional facilities went on ‘diversion’ at some point when their EDs were inundated, Rome Health did not, not once. The comment coming directly from administration was, ‘We are not closing, the community depends on us too much. We are the safety net, and we will not go on diversion.’”

“The emergency department staff went out of their way to clear room for incoming EMS units, knowing that they were the only ambulances available for Rome and the surrounding communities,” Taylor continued. “It was truly a rare occurrence that any patient had to wait on an ambulance stretcher more than 10-15 minutes.”

In 2021, more than 25,500 people received care in Rome Health’s emergency department, a patient volume that was up 9.2 percent over 2020 levels.

The Midstate Regional Emergency Medical Services Council also honored Chris Durfee, RN at Rome Health, as the Emergency Department RN of the Year for consistently holding himself and others to the highest standards.

A nonprofit health-care system based in Rome, Rome Health provides services including primary, specialty, and long-term care. It is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Health and an affiliated clinical site of New York Medical College.

Hamilton Mayor Loveless elected 2nd VP for NYS Conference of Mayors

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HAMILTON, N.Y. — On May 5, at the 113th annual meeting of the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), the NYCOM membership unanimously elected RuthAnn Loveless, mayor of the Village of Hamilton, to serve as NYCOM second VP for the coming year. “I am honored to have been selected to serve as NYCOM’s Second

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Area public-housing authorities receive HUD funds for improvements

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded nearly $800 million in funding to 71 public-housing authorities around the state to make capital investments in public-housing properties. The funding is part of $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2022 Capital Fund Program awards to 2,813 public-housing authorities nationally. “It is essential for public-housing

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Fulton small businesses can apply for grants from city’s DRI funding

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FULTON, N.Y. — The City of Fulton Community Development Agency (FCDA) says the city’s small businesses can apply for funding for projects to “enhance and strengthen” the city’s downtown area. The $750,000 available for these grants are part of Fulton’s award in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). FCDA is accepting applications through Oct. 3,

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The $750,000 available for these grants are part of Fulton’s award in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). FCDA is accepting applications through Oct. 3, the agency said in a May 23 announcement.

The types of improvements can include new signs and awnings, building renovations, technical assistance, and projects related to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am beyond thrilled to announce this program,” Fulton Mayor Deana Michaels said. “These improvements in our downtown and along the DRI area will be transformational. Both Fultonians and those visiting our city will see the bright, new improvements and feel the pride we all have in enhancing our city’s positive vibe.”

An information session for business owners interested in applying for these funds will be held at 6 p.m. on June 14 at the Fulton War Memorial, Sarah Farley, FCDA executive director, said.

“In addition, interested business owners can contact the FCDA to schedule a free consultation for application assistance with our economic-development team,” Farley added. “We want to make the application process as smooth as possible.”

DRI project timeline

Once all applications are received, FCDA anticipates a timeline process that will include the following elements:

• Mid-October: review committee meets
• Nov. 1: Selecting and recommending projects to New York State Homes and Community Renewal and then announcing grant awards.
• Dec. 1: proceeding with grant awards and finalized projects
• During winter and spring 2023: conducting required environmental review
• Between January and April 2023: continuing final design, project bidding, permitting, and site-plan review
• May 1, 2023: beginning construction
• July 1, 2024: completing all projects

Contact the FCDA at www.fultoncda.com/contact or (315) 593-7166.

Community Foundation for South Central New York awards grants to regional nonprofits

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JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — The Community Foundation for South Central New York (SCNY) recently announced it has made grants totaling $287,684 to 40 organizations in the region in its spring grant round. The successful grant applications, approved through a competitive volunteer panel and board-review process, are for a variety of capital projects, operations, and programming.

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NYSERDA launches 4th Commercial & Industrial Carbon Challenge

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Regional News, Subscriber Only, Technology

Makes $15 million available for clean-energy projects The fourth annual Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge seeks to help to reduce carbon emissions at commercial and industrial businesses and institutions. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on May 13 launched the latest round of the C&I Carbon

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Makes $15 million available for clean-energy projects

The fourth annual Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge seeks to help to reduce carbon emissions at commercial and industrial businesses and institutions.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on May 13 launched the latest round of the C&I Carbon Challenge, making $15 million available as part of Round XII of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative, which was announced on May 2.

The announcement supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050, NYSERDA said.

“The launch of this round of the C&I Carbon Challenge demonstrates the state’s commitment to investing in private-public partnerships that advance cleaner and more efficient building facilities and functions for New York’s largest energy users,” Doreen Harris, president and CEO of NYSERDA said in a release. “This funding will allow more energy intensive business owners across the state to take action to implement clean energy measures that will help them to realize cost-savings while reducing harmful emissions from their operations, in support of the state’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals.”

The C&I Carbon Challenge is a competitive program that provides funding to large energy users to implement various cost-effective, clean-energy projects that reduce carbon emissions. The funding is available to eligible businesses and institutions including, but not limited to, manufacturers, colleges, universities, health-care facilities, and office-building owners in New York State.

Project proposals may involve a combination of energy or manufacturing-process efficiency strategies, carbon-capture technology, renewable generation, or energy storage.

“It is critical that we help the New York State manufacturing community source and use energy in a responsible way,” Randy Wolken, president and CEO of DeWitt–based MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, said. “NYSERDA’s Carbon Challenge continues to provide the means and guidance that larger consumers will need to drive carbon reduction, maintaining the leadership position that New York is known for.”

Funding is available through the state’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund, NYSERDA said.

Funding categories and applying

The state is providing funding under two categories. Category A has $10 million for proposals that incorporate key solutions such as beneficial electrification and reduced emissions related to manufacturing processes, to lower the applicant’s carbon footprint.

Category B has $5 million for proposals that employ energy efficiency, on-site clean energy generation, or any other greenhouse-gas reducing solution not identified in Category A.

The Challenge will provide awards ranging from $500,000 to $5 million to partially offset clean-energy project costs for the largest energy users in the state, with an aggregate 12-month average demand of 3-megawatts or greater.

The deadline to apply through the state’s consolidated funding application is July 29 at 4 p.m. The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) guidebook and a list of additional resources available to REDC members are accessible at the state’s REDC website (https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov).

The state will select competition winners based on their plans for project implementation; institutional commitment to sustainability; overall level of greenhouse-gas emissions reduced; and their potential to “beneficially impact disadvantaged communities,” NYSERDA said.

NYSERDA’s scoring criteria for this solicitation provides points for greenhouse-gas emission reductions that occur in designated disadvantaged communities and deliver benefits in such communities. In addition, each application is reviewed and scored by members of each applicant’s respective REDC as part of the consolidated-funding application process, per the announcement.

NYSERDA expects to announce the fourth-round awards in late 2022.

Oneida County finalizes process of becoming AARP Age-Friendly Community

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UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County recently finalized the process of becoming an AARP Age-Friendly Community. “Oneida County recognizes the importance of encouraging and promoting age-friendly planning and policies to address changing demographics and enhance independent living,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in a press release. “We are proud to receive this designation

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UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County recently finalized the process of becoming an AARP Age-Friendly Community.

“Oneida County recognizes the importance of encouraging and promoting age-friendly planning and policies to address changing demographics and enhance independent living,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in a press release. “We are proud to receive this designation from the AARP and are committed to the continual improvement that supports active and healthy aging and sustains economic and social vitality. I commend our Office for the Aging and thank our partnering organizations for their hard work and dedication throughout the process of achieving this recognition.”

The county was officially designated as an Age-Friendly Community by both the AARP and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 after it committed to facilitate the Livable Community planning process. That initiative resulted in a series of activities used to identify community needs and gain input from stakeholders, including older adults, to create a planning document to be used community wide.

The Livable Community Project, led by Oneida County, included several key partners including the Parkway Center, the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, and the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York. A steering committee helped identify gaps, priorities, and solutions essential to enhancing the livability for local residents of all ages.

The eight areas of livability, as outlined by the WHO, are outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community and health services.

The county’s action plan calls for an array of steps to address issues in each of these areas.

The action plan for civic engagement aims to expand opportunities for everyone to have meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities by creating a volunteer resource center, increasing opportunities for paid employment for older adults, and providing information on pre-retirement planning and post-retirement opportunities.

The social participation action plan calls for increase opportunities for people to connect and feel welcome in the community by raising awareness of the age-friendliness of area events, bridging cultural and language gaps, and working to better promote the area’s events.

To improve access to outdoor spaces and public buildings, the plan includes zoning and design requirements to promote accessibility, improving access to public spaces, and improving walkways and streets for ease of use.

The plan to create an environment to improve community health includes efforts to educate people on available health services, training to address the needs of an ethnically diverse population, and emergency planning that accounts for older community members.

The housing plan calls for supporting aging in place, home repair services for seniors, creating a senior housing director, and making sure wheelchair ramps are installed for accessibility.

Transportation-improvement plans include educating residents on the available transportation options, implementing the Complete Streets program to make streets safer for shared users, and creating transportation options for western Oneida County.

The action plan also includes initiatives to make information for services easy to access for all residents, provide education on new technologies, include older adults in decision-making processes, and promote age-friendly businesses.

The county completed the final phase of the initiative when the Oneida County Board of Legislators adopted a resolution to ensure ongoing commitment and focus on the livability areas in May. The resolution codifies the activities involved in the planning process, including steering committee recommendations, county-wide survey results, and various focus group findings.

“As the month of May, known as Older Americans Month, annually recognizes the needs and values of our seniors nationwide, this resolution confirms that Oneida County values health across all policies and the needs of its elder population.”

City Center renovations continue as HII says it plans to move in

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — HII (short for Huntington Ingalls Industries) says it plans to create more than 80 new jobs when it becomes a tenant at City Center in downtown Syracuse, which is currently undergoing renovation work. The effort includes work on the building’s façade in downtown Syracuse in a structure that was once home to

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The effort includes work on the building’s façade in downtown Syracuse in a structure that was once home to Sibley’s department store.

HII expects to be operational in the new space in the first quarter of 2023. The firm will occupy 50,000 square feet of renovated space in the building located on South Salina Street, Empire State Development (ESD) announced May 26.

The company’s Mission Technologies division will serve as an anchor tenant in the repurposed space. Its website indicates HII’s Mission Technologies division is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

The Hayner Hoyt Corporation is currently working to renovate the building into a mixed-use facility that will include office, commercial, and retail space, along with residential units.

ESD is assisting HII with the revitalization of the South Salina Street location with up to $3 million through the Excelsior jobs tax credit program. The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency also assisted with the project. The total cost for the project renovation has been placed at $5.5 million.

HII operates a sensor and embedded design center in Syracuse, which the company describes as its “Electronic Warfare (EW) and RADAR Center of Excellence,” per its website. HII also has operations in Rome.

About HII

HII is a global engineering and defense-technologies provider “with a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security,” ESD said.

HII focuses on matters that include artificial intelligence; cyber and electronic warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); unmanned systems; and nuclear and environmental services, per its website.

HII “leads the industry in mission-driven products that support and enable a networked, all-domain force,” ESD said. Headquartered in Virginia, HII has a workforce of 44,000.

“With our nation’s increasing demand for mission-critical advanced technologies, we are committed to investing in and expanding our research and development capabilities,” Andy Green, HII executive VP and president of Mission Technologies, said. “Our expanded presence in New York will ensure our continued support to our customers’ missions today and into the future.”

NYSDOT works to secure contractors for I-81 project phase one

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Now that the federal and state governments have given their final approval, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is now focusing on securing the contractors to handle the first phase of the $2.25 billion Interstate 81 (I-81) viaduct-replacement project. “We will have five separate contracts that we will put out

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“We will have five separate contracts that we will put out to bid in the next year,” Mark Frechette, NYSDOT’s I-81 project director, said during the May 31 announcement.

He went on to say that NYSDOT “purposefully” sized these contracts so that they’re at least small enough for local contractors to bid on them. The department also plans to spread the contracts out by a couple months each.

“This maximizes the ability of our local contractors,” Frechette said. “If they don’t get contract one, they can bid contract two. If they don’t get contract two, they can bid contract three, and so forth.”

Frechette noted that NYSDOT still has plenty of work to do with final design details, the local hiring initiative, and competitively bidding all five contracts. The department also needs to negotiate with the contractors on topics that include schedules and commitments that will be maintained during the construction phases.

All five of the contracts will be finishing close to the end of 2025. The first phase will last about three years through 2025 and the second phase begins in 2026 and will be done by the end of 2028, according to Frechette.

“The phase one work is all preparatory work we need to rip out the interstate right behind us. So, the I-81 viaduct does not come out of service until … close to the end of 2025 when these first five contracts are going to be done,” Frechette said.

Final approval

The six-year, $2.25 billion project to replace the elevated viaduct of I-81 through downtown Syracuse is set to get started this fall.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) on May 31 signed the final documents for the project.

NYSDOT posted the formal record of decision (ROD) during the week of June 1.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) on May 31 announced the signing of the formal ROD for the project. The signing means construction on the community-grid alternative will begin this fall.

Frechette called the record of decision a “major milestone” for the I-81 project.

“It is the final selection of the … community grid alternative, not only by the state of New York but also by the Federal Highway Administration,” Frechette said.

Frechette joined NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez who announced the signing in speaking with reporters across from Erie Canal Museum and under the elevated portion of I-81.

Besides Frechette, additional members of the NYSDOT team working on the project also joined Dominguez for the May 31 afternoon announcement.

“Construction will begin later this fall on the community grid alternative,” Dominguez said in her remarks. “This has been a long time coming, to say the least. But, out of all of the options that we thoroughly studied, the community grid alternative represents a generational opportunity for the city of Syracuse and its surrounding communities.”

At $2.25 billion, it represents the largest upstate New York project that NYSDOT has undertaken, she noted.

As part of the $2.25 billion project, the existing elevated structure will be replaced by a new Business Loop 81 with an integrated community grid that will disperse traffic along local north-south and east-west streets. Portions of Interstates 481 and 690 will also be reconstructed to accommodate high speed traffic going around and through the city.

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