Economic development awards: North Fork tourism projects win big
The latest round of the New York Regional Economic Development Council awards were announced Thursday with more than $1 million funding tourism efforts across the North Fork.
A total of $709.2 million in state funds and tax credits were awarded to the 10 regional councils across New York. Long Island is receiving $81.9 million to support 97 projects — four of which are on the North Fork.
Below is a list of each of the local initiatives, the name of the applicant, the state’s description of the project and the amount awarded.
Projects are listed in descending order based on the total number of dollars received. Two are for a similar project.
Town of Riverhead
Project: Agri-tourism Visitors Center
Funding: $500,000
Description: Private sector renovation of a municipally owned building in Historic Downtown Riverhead to establish the Town of Riverhead County Agritourism Visitors Center in a historic firehouse.
Town of Riverhead
Project: Agri-tourism Visitors Center
Funding: $200,000
Description: The Town of Riverhead will undertake the renovation of an historic firehouse in Historic Downtown Riverhead to establish the Town of Riverhead County Agritourism Visitors Center. This facility will provide texture to the community, attract investment and also a location for the Riverhead Winter Farmer’s Market and other agricultural and tourism related establishments.
Long Island Wine Council
Project: Long Island Wine Country Global Trade and Tourism Initiative
Funding: $285,000
Description: The Long Island Wine Council will undertake a multi-phase marketing project that will implement a targeted multi-media advertising in the NYC and international markets, as well as organizing special events targeting hotel concierges and the international wine/food media and trade in NYC.
East End Arts & Humanities Council
Project: Winterfest 2015
Funding: $59,300
Description: Winterfest is a collaborative effort between East End Arts, Long Island Wine Council, Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Suffolk County Office of Economic Development. Chock full of special promotions, it consists of 6 consecutive winter weekends of 110 live music performances in winery tasting rooms, performing arts centers and hotels.
