JOHNSTOWN – The Fulton County Board of Supervisors recently authorized a local match for a development strategy the county is putting together.
Supervisors voted at the County Office Building to sign an agreement between the county and National Grid for a $75,000 Strategic Economic Development Outreach grant. That funding, along with a county match, will be used to fund a countywide development strategy.
County Planning Director James Mraz said previously that proposals are being sought to create a comprehensive report that includes a “10-year vision” for the county. He said that some of the pieces for a successful economic development plan are currently missing, such as housing, and the new strategy will address them.
The agreement with National Grid is subject to approval by County Attorney Jason Brott.
In a related resolution, supervisors recently amended the county’s 2016 capital plan to include funding for the Jump Start Fulton County campaign’s economic development and marketing project.
Officials noted the 2015 county capital plan included a $50,000 appropriation for a Rail Trail project to be utilized for acquisition of the former FJ&G Railroad right-of-way between Dennie’s Crossing and County Highway 155. Brott has contacted property owners of former right-of-way parcels in the area and only one has agreed to sell a parcel.
Mraz and two county committees recommended the 2016 capital plan be amended by reappropriating $42,500 in funds no longer needed for the Rail Trail project for the economic development and marketing project.
County Administrative Officer Jon Stead told the board the idea is to “bring forward any leftovers [in funds] from the Rail Trail project that would not be needed.”
“It’s too bad we can’t expand the Rail Trail any more than we have,” said Gloversville 5th Ward Supervisor Gregory Young.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected].
