NYS development grant deadline extended

State officials extended until 4 p.m. Tuesday the deadline for developers and others to apply for $800 million in grants and tax breaks for building projects in 2011-12.

The website that applicants are to use was inoperable briefly Monday because of "technical issues."

Empire State Development Corp. spokesman Austin Shafran said Monday, "We've extended the deadline out of an abundance of caution to ensure everyone has time to complete the application process."

This is the first time a universal application has been used. The move is part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's drive to streamline state government.

Development projects will be graded using a points system, with 20 percent determined by the 22-member Long Island Economic Development Council.

In Nassau and Suffolk counties the development corporation has received more than 40 applications for big, transformative projects, including redevelopment of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Together, the applicants are seeking $600 million, according to Kevin Law, council co-vice chairman.

Separately, nearly 380 applications have been received for smaller projects.

The development corporation's spokesman declined Monday to say how many applications had been received statewide.

In addition, the council will hold public hearings this week on its draft plan to create jobs.

A session will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville. Another session is scheduled Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Molloy College in Rockville Centre.