By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

A strong presentation developed during three months of intense planning sessions played a significant role in the Western New York Regional Council securing a grant of $100.3 million to help fund 96 economic development projects.

The state grants, announced on Dec. 8 in a Hollywood awards-like ceremony, have local leaders smiling. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who presided over the grant announcement, said he was impressed with the Western New York projects.

"What sold me about the Western New York (Regional Council plan) was its vision," Cuomo told Business First during a Dec. 13 interview. "It showed me they were gelling as a region."

Now the focus is on making sure the money is well-spent and projects are followed through in a timely manner.

"It's a great blueprint to build from," said John Koelmel, president and CEO of First Niagara Financial Group.

He was among the council's volunteer leaders. Co-chairs were Buffalo businessman Howard Zemsky and University at Buffalo President Satish Tripathi. More than 100 people volunteered for the council, which was put together in late summer and had to deliver its final recommendations to state leaders by Nov. 14.

"Understand this: The money we are getting from Albany is surge money more so than seed money," Koelmel said. "It's meant to accelerate the pace of these projects. It is not intended to be a silver bullet."

Zemsky agreed, saying, "The  money is significant. We attempted to address issues that have been lingering for long periods of time. But this money does not solve all the issues. Still, psychologically it is important."

Zemsky said he and others on the Western New York Regional Council will keep an eye on all 96 projects to make sure they continue to meet expectations. The council will meet in early January to develop a plan for its role as project watchdog. Benchmarks and deadlines will be set for each project.

The 96 projects comprise a diverse, regional menu.

"We didn't want a rifle shot," Koelmel said. "We very much wanted a shotgun approach that hit multiple, regional targets. We didn't want this to be Buffalo-centric, with all the big money going to Buffalo and just a few other dollars sprinkled around."

That's why the council advocated for Alfred University to get funding for its High Temperature Materials Characterization Laboratory. It received an allocation of $2.8 million.

The same push was made for Olean to receive funding for reconstructing East State Street, one of the city's main business sections. The project was given $1 million.

Olean received another $1 million to renovate three key downtown properties, including the former Manufacturers Hanover Building on North Union Street that Ross Wilson & Associates, an Amherst-based development firm, wants to re-invigorate.

Regan Development Corp. was allocated $3.54 million to construct 64 affordable rental units in Dunkirk.

There was a diverse list of projects in Buffalo, as well, including a designated $2 million for development of an auto tech training center in the Fruit Belt and $87,852 in training dollars for Galvstar's metal plant on East Delavan Avenue.

A $500,000 grant to the Elmwood Village Association will help finance the renovation of buildings along the retail and residential strip.

James Allen, executive director of the Amherst Industrial Development, weighed in on the grants.

"The council and the awards finally give us that forum we needed to embrace a more regional approach to economic development," said Allen, a council volunteer. "There has been that appetite to do this for more than 20 years, and now we have a means to do it."