I didn’t realize until I went to last night’s regional economic development council gathering in Elizabethtown just how influential that new group — created by Governor Andrew Cuomo — will be.<\/p>\n
After taking input from across the North Country, the group will now move quickly to draft a plan designed to shape economic development in the region over the next five years.<\/p>\n
A final version will be created by November 4th and sent to Albany, where it will shape what economic development projects in our region are funded.<\/p>\n
The group will also have the final say about which specific initiatives are placed on a priority list for state dollars that could total roughly $40 million next year alone.<\/p>\n
At last night’s session, the Council’s leaders acknowledged that the final plan will be completed and sent to the governor without the public having a chance to review the document — a fact that drew criticism.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been a little surprised and frankly disappointed at how little information this regional economic development council is putting on line,” said Stu Baker from Ticonderoga.<\/p>\n
“You’re looking for comments on a plan under development and there have been no draft materials placed out there for us to comment on and I think that’s a big mistake.”<\/p>\n
There’s no sign that the Council is trying to be secretive or coy about the process, or its priorities.<\/p>\n
On the contrary, members have fanned out across the region collecting opinions and ideas.\u00a0 But they are also moving very quickly, trying to meet a deadline set by the governor.<\/p>\n
It also remains unclear what process the group will use to make final decisions, which will shape controversial initiatives such as the I-98 or “rooftop highway” proposal.<\/p>\n