New York Governor Pataki Announces $416,000 For Otsego County

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New York Governor Pataki Announces $416,000 For Otsego County

Funding to Assist Custom Electronics, Inc. Expansion, Create New Jobs

January 24, 2005 -- Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the Office for Small Cities (GOSC) has awarded Otsego County a $416,000 grant to assist Custom Electronics, Inc. with the expansion of its facility, located in Oneonta, and the creation of 20 jobs for the area. The GOSC will administer the funds to the community through its Economic Development Program."Custom Electronics decision to invest and create new jobs in Otsego County is great news for the community," Governor Pataki said. "We're proud to work in partnership with the County to assist in this expansion. This project is great example of the success our Small Cities program has had in encouraging economic development and job creation in communities across New York State."

Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) said, "I commend Governor Pataki for his dedication and vision to creating more jobs and improving the quality of life in Otsego County. The Small Cities program has been instrumental in attracting jobs to Upstate New York and bettering our communities. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for increased funding for the Small Cities program.

Senator James L. Seward said, "Today's announcement by Governor Pataki is tremendous news for the employment picture in Otsego County. The state's Small Cities program has been instrumental in boosting local economic development across the state, and the award announced will boost new, good paying jobs and business growth at Custom Electronics, one of our local electronics and tech employers in the Town of Oneonta. I applaud the Governor for recognizing the value and significance of Custom's long term plans and commitment to the area."

Assemblyman William Magee said, "At a time when so many manufacturing jobs are being lost to offshore nations, it is encouraging that Custom Electronics is not only committing to remain in New York State, but that they want to expand here as well. This grant holds much promise for additional jobs and the economic benefits they bring."

Carl F. Higgins, Chairman, Board of Representatives, "I am pleased to hear that Otsego County has been awarded this Small Cities grant for Custom Electronics to expand its services and create new jobs in the county. This funding will enable Custom Electronics and other local companies to remain viable and expand their services. It will be beneficial to the county's economy."

Kim Muller, Mayor, City of Oneonta, said, "Custom Electronics is a long-standing and important part of Oneonta's business community. This Small Cities' grant will enable a partnership investment that creates jobs and strengthens our economy. We appreciate Governor Pataki's support of our local economic development efforts."

Glen King, Director of the Governor's Office for Small Cities, said, "Today's announcement is great news for Otsego County, and we are proud to be able to assist Custom Electronics with its expansion. This award reflects Governor Pataki's vision for bringing jobs to New York State and is a prime example of what we can accomplish when we work together to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers."

Founded in 1964, Custom Electronics, Inc. is a privately owned company that designs and manufactures electronic components and assemblies for both the global defense and commercial markets. The company currently plans to increase sales and add new product lines to its manufacturing capacity. To meet its goals, the company will replace equipment using the Small Cities funds announced today. Small Cities' funds will also be used for working capital and to address other needs.

The GOSC provides community development grants through its Annual Competitive Application Round and its Economic Development Program to small municipalities across New York for job creation, improved housing and public facilities and planning. A total of approximately $52 million in Small Cities grant funding is available each year to local communities.

Through the Program's Annual Competitive Round, cities, towns and village are eligible to apply for a maximum grant of $400,000 for a single purpose project, while counties and joint applicants can apply for a maximum of $600,000. Communities may also apply for up to $650,000 for a comprehensive community development project. Through the Economic Development Program, communities are invited to apply for up to $750,000 in grant funding for projects that meet GOSC guidelines.

Small Cities funds are provided to New York through a federal grant. Since program inception in 2000, the GOSC has provided over $200 million for various community development projects throughout the State, including over $3.3 million to local communities throughout Otsego County.

Applications for the 2005 Annual Competitive Round will be available in January via the GOSC website. For more information on the GOSC, please visit http://www.nysmallcities.com or call (518) 474-2057.