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Empowerment Zone unveils $7M in funding recommendations
The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation's ("UMEZDC") board of directors has approved approximately $7 million in projects, launching its second funding round. UMEZDC recommendations will be forwarded to the New York Empowerment Zone Corporation for final consideration.
The recommended projects will leverage approximately $11 million additional dollars and are expected to create over 540 jobs. They will support four UMEZDC priorities: small business development, education, tourism and job training and placement. This package reflects the board's view that sustainable economic revitalization requires significant investment to position Upper Manhattan residents and institutions to successfully compete in the next millennium. A key theme across all initiatives is introducing cutting-edge technology to every aspect of uptown life.
"These initiatives represent a competitive toolbox designed to put local residents and institutions in a position to succeed," said Richard D. Parsons, UMEZDC chairman. "In particular, we hope to help ignite small business growth in Upper Manhattan and empower students to embrace their futures by providing access to new technology, reading assistance and summer jobs."
"There is no greater priority than preparing our...