Image from Bush Industries
JAMESTOWN – Governor Andrew Cuomo Monday announced that $39.2 million in economic development funding has been approved for 34 projects that are spurring growth and opportunity across the state, including one in the Jamestown area. According to the governor’s office, the funding – which was approved by Empire State Development’s Board of Directors – supports projects that are creating 233 new jobs and retaining 1,589 existing New York State jobs.
Locally, Bush Industries, Inc. has been awarded $900,000. Bush Industries designs and manufactures ready-to-assemble wood entertainment, storage and office furniture. As a result of the funding, officials say Bush will continue operations in Jamestown and retain 230 employees through January 2022. The governor’s office says that without ESD’s assistance, private investors would have likely closed the facility and moved the operations overseas, which would have caused over 200 employees in Chautauqua County to lose their jobs.
“With this funding, we are supporting regionally-significant initiatives and growing local economies across New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “This investment is another example of our commitment to developing key industries and creating new opportunities for companies and workers to thrive in every region of this state.”
“Protecting and promoting manufacturing jobs is vital to the long-term success and prosperity of Chautauqua County, and all of New York State. Bush Industries, a leading furniture manufacturer with deep roots in our community, is a significant economic driver and the loss of over 200 jobs would have been devastating to Chautauqua County, especially for those men and women who support their families by making a living at the facility,” said Senator Catherine Young.
(from the article) __ “$39.2 million in economic development funding has been approved for 34 projects that are spurring growth and opportunity across the state, including one in the Jamestown area”.
(from me) 1/40th of the state money _ why not to Jamestown _ why not to new owners who purchased Bush? Why not the 200 workers who are there? Should the jobs / spurring go to some other 200 workers?