Caumsett Granted $400,000 for Restoration

Long Island has been awarded $101.6 million for economic development after competing in the state’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative, local officials said Thursday.

In Huntington, $400,000 will go to the Caumsett Foundation to restore severe deterioration of the at the site. This is the third and final phase of the restoration project. the foundation previously replace the slate roof and cupola. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo formed the Regional Councils this past July in order to drive economic growth by creating jobs. The Regional Councils competed for $785 million in funding by submitting strategic plans that invest in regional solutions to fix the economy and Long Island's plan was named one of the four "best" by the state.

"I’m extremely pleased that the Long Island Regional Council’s plan was named ‘Best’ in all of New York State," said state Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City. “The Regional Councils across the state will change the way New York does business."

Long Island’s proposal was the result public meetings and forums focused on "advanced transformative projects." The plan was broken down into the categories of Innovative Economy, Smart Growth for Communities, Natural Assets and Workforce and Education and strategies included building on existing businesses, commercializing research, strengthening the workforce, promoting and protecting natural resources, providing equal opportunity in housing, employment and education and investing in infrastructure and other industries (tourism, agriculture, and fisheries).

The 66 other projects include proposals from villages, towns and private businesses. Long Island came in third for the most funding received, with the Central New York Regional Council's plan receiving the most with $103.7 million followed by the North Country Regional with $103.2 million.