Law enlists IDA members for planning help

The Industrial Development Agencies on Long Island are singing a happier tune these days, now that some of their leaders have been appointed to help work with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's new economic development councils. There are 10 such councils in the state, including one on Long Island with 22 members.

Initially Long Island Association president Kevin Law and Hofstra president Stuart Rabinowitz did not appoint any IDA members to the 22-member Island council, creating some sore feelings.

But last week Law said he has named six IDA people to a "working group" that will help the local council come up with plans to compete for $1 billion in grants and tax credits from the state in 2011-12. Jim Morgo of the Suffolk County IDA said he is pleased to be on the working group.

"We're on the road to establishing criteria for judging what is really a significant project" for the Island, Morgo said.