Local news- Press Release
Albany County New York - County Executive McCoy Delivers 13th State of the County Address 29 February 2024 ( news )
Albany County , state New York ( By Press Release office)
Feb 29,2024
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Unveils Major Economic Development Initiatives , Purchase of a Fitness and Aquatic Center in Cohoes , Plans to Build State - Of - The - Art Sports Complex , and Development of Two Major “Shovel - Ready” Sites
Announces Funding for Workforce Development , the Arts , and Combating Food Insecurity
Albany County Executive Daniel P . McCoy today delivered his 13
thState of the County Address at MVP Arena to a room of elected and government officials , business executives and community leaders . During his speech and presentation , the County Executive announced a number of major policy initiatives that will serve to support the overall health of Albany County residents .
“Our strength is measured by the health of us , as a community , as people , and as a government . Indeed , the health of one is indelibly intertwined with the health of the whole .
And our health is not solitary , but rather compounded and inclusive of our physical health , mental health , social health , and financial health . Here in Albany County we have broken down walls , broken down barriers and broken - down silos to ease access to government services , to stimulate economic growth and to strengthen our communities , ” said County Executive McCoy .
During the State of the County presentation , the County Executive announced that Albany County has entered into an agreement to purchase a fitness and aquatic center located in Cohoes . A revitalized public pool is an important resource for residents seeking both leisure and exercise . This will allow the County to enhance the highly successful Life Guard Certification program and establish a new “Learn to Swim” program , among other important initiatives . Additionally , it was announced that Albany County will build a state - of - the - art sport complex allowing for new recreation opportunities regardless of weather , including basketball , volleyball , baseball , golf , soccer , football and indoor walking/running track . Both of these facilities will be available to the public at no cost .
“I have made access to health and recreation a cornerstone of my administration , ” said County Executive McCoy . “These projects are significant as they represent our commitment to the wellness needs of our community . Recreation should not only be available to those with deeper pockets . For the sake of our entire community , our youth , our seniors and our vulnerable population , we must provide opportunities regardless of income . ”
Additionally , to promote economic development and attract future projects , the Albany County Department of Economic Development , Conservation and Planning and the Advance Albany County Alliance are developing two major “shovel - ready” sites near the Albany County International Airport . One is the Ann Lee Home/Heritage Park site and the other is the former Al Tech Steel site in Watervliet . These are prime locations for future development in strategic industries like nanotechnology , life sciences , and renewable energy .
Albany County is using funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ) to make strategic investments in the community to help support these economic development initiatives . In addition to job creation , the County Executive is working to create a pipeline of talent in the County . More than $2 . 2 million has been awarded to 15 organizations that will expand job training and career advancement programs and support wrap around services in the County .
“This targeted funding will result in hundreds of new training opportunities in the County that will help meet the workforce needs of high demand industries like health care and manufacturing . We will ensure that workers have access to the technical training and education they need to succeed in this ever - changing labor market , ” said County Executive McCoy .
The County Executive also made a commitment of $1 . 5 million to the arts through these same ARPA funds . The arts were one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic and have yet to make a full recovery .
“We are committed to continuing funding for arts programs , particularly ones that engage our youth and open their eyes , ears and hearts to the expression inside of them , ” said County Executive McCoy .
The County Executive continues to combat food insecurity in the region , announcing a commitment of $250 , 000 in this year’s County Budget to support the Food Bank of Northeastern New York . This growing health concern has only gotten worse since the pandemic and this investment emphasizes the importance of tackling the root causes behind this complex problem .
“Here in Albany County , we are taking action , but there is more to do . We must work collaboratively , as a county , as a state and as a country to address systemic problems that are the root causes of hunger and food insecurities , including underemployment , family and housing instability , inflation and generational discrimination , ” said County Executive McCoy . “We have worked with the United Way , and its CEO Peter Gannon and the Food Bank of Northeastern New York , as well as nearly 60 food pantries and soup kitchens to get healthy food to families within our neighborhoods that need it most . ”
County Executive McCoy remains deeply committed to protecting the environment and unveiled the Responsible Paper Reduction Act ( RPRA ) , a new County policy that aims to reduce paper use by County Departments .
“Cutting back on printing aligns with our efforts to combat climate change and will encourage innovation . Embracing digital alternatives not only reduces carbon emissions associated with paper production and disposal but also streamlines workflow processes , leading to cost savings and increased productivity . We will also use this as an opportunity to explore the newest technologies , including AI , making services more accessible , efficient , and user - friendly for residents , ” said County Executive McCoy .
The 2024 State of the County address may be read in its entirety here:
State of the County Address
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