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Corning, NY – Congressman Tom Reed announced the approval of an $80,000 grant to the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board (STCRPDB). The grant, funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), will be used to fund the Planning in Water's Way project. This project will increase the resiliency of the flood-prone areas along the I-86 Innovation Corridor and identify locations more suitable for future economic development.

"We care about creating jobs for those in the Southern Tier. This is an important project to fuel regional economic development. It is only right that we take the steps to prevent the area from potential floods," Reed stated.

In addition to the $80,000 in funding from ARC, the project will also receive $76,250 from Empire State Development (ESD) and $21,528 from local partners totaling $177,778.

"The I-86 Innovation Corridor is a crucial opportunity area for strategic economic development in Chemung and Steuben Counties. Southern Tier Central's leadership and vision in securing the grant resources for this important project is greatly appreciated. This data and research will help our economic development partners and local governments attract new business and industry as well as protect the property of employers we have," said Betsey Hale, President, Three Rivers Development.

The I-86 Innovation Corridor stretches from Elmira to Hornell, along the I-86 highway. It has a high concentration of advanced manufacturing and transportation manufacturing and is an area of opportunity for development.

"We are very excited that this project is moving forward, thanks to funding from ARC and ESD. ARC funding has been valuable to the Southern Tier region to ensure economic resilience and to achieve economic parity with the nation," said Chelsea Robertson, Senior Planner for the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board. "Although flooding is a serious concern in this region, minimizing economic disruptions from floods can enhance the resilience of existing and future businesses within our I-86 innovation corridor. The Planning in Water's Way project will provide generalized cost estimates and other information that businesses need to facilitate flood safe development and mitigation with a high return on investment. We can show that flood resilience is cost effective and a secure long-term investment in our region."

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