Cuomo's business plan focuses on jobs

Seeking to remedy the jobs deficit on Long Island and elsewhere, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo outlined Wednesday a $25-billion plan of building projects, tax credits for businesses, tourism promotion and cheap electricity.

Cuomo, in his 2012 State of the State Address, called for government actions that he said would encourage private investment. For example, he proposed a public-works initiative that would match every $20 in private money with $1 from government to improve roads, bridges, sewers, dams and state parks.

Cuomo said the "New York Open for Business" advertising campaign would expand to boost tourist visits to Long Island's wineries and beaches, among other attractions.

He also proposed the construction of an electric transmission system to bring low-cost power from upstate and Canada to New York City and its suburbs. He opposes transferring cheap hydropower from the Buffalo area.

Urging state lawmakers to adopt the plan, Cuomo said, "The people of this state desperately need it because it all comes down to one word: jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. That's what people need in this state."

Cuomo's ideas were lauded by some of the 45 local business executives and civic leaders who traveled to Albany for the speech.

Desmond Ryan of the developers group Association for a Better Long Island said the proposal to bring lower-cost electricity to the metropolitan area would keep businesses here. High energy bills "are the one entity other states use when they come to New York to take away our companies," he said.

The initiative to accelerate public-works projects would bolster the construction industry, where 12,000 local jobs were lost in 2010-11, said Marc Herbst of the Long Island Contractors' Association.

However, one state lawmaker expressed frustration that Cuomo made reference to projects in Queens, Manhattan, Buffalo and the Binghamton area but none on Long Island. "I was a little disappointed that Long Island was basically not mentioned," said Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset).

Others said Nassau and Suffolk counties would benefit from an economic revival of Buffalo. Cuomo called for $1 billion in business aid for that city, the nation's third poorest.

"To the extent they are doing better, that means Long Islanders are contributing less" tax revenue to that region, said Kevin Law of the Long Island Association business group. He also leads the Cuomo-appointed Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.

Law also predicted Nassau's contractors, hotels and restaurants would benefit from the proposed convention center at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. "It's right across the border, and it's an asset that we can use to attract business to Long Island."

With Patrick Whittle

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday outlined a $25-billion* plan to create jobs. Some elements:

Expand "New York Open for Business" ad campaign to promote tourist sites, such as Long Island's beaches and wineries.

Build convention center at Aqueduct Racetrackcq/sm in Queens.

Demolish Manhattan's Jacob Javits Convention Center to make way for an 18-acre development similar to Battery Park City.

Hold another statewide competition for $200 million in aidstate grants and tax credits for businesses.

Accelerate state building projects.

Spur development of electric transmission system from upstate to downstate.

Legalize casino gambling beyond Indian lands.

Give Buffalo $1 billion in aid.

* Figure includes state, federal and private-sector funds over multiple years

Source: Gov. Cuomo's office