Plainview Firms Benefit From State Grants

Several Plainview-area firms are in line to benefit from a state initiative that awarded $101.6 million to Long Island for a wide range of economic development projects.

Last week's announcement by the state’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative means some Plainview firms will receive a share of the money.

Among them is Plainview's Corp., which received $21,000 to train seven employees in quality control techniques. The machining contractor specializes in defense work. Because almost all of Catalina's business comes from defense contractors, including U.S. government agencies. Workers will be trained to achieve strict standards of compliance, according to the state.

of Plainview, received nearly $902,000 for a project supporting the development of seamless rooms and LED lighting touch sensor controls, etc. The Plainview company makes high quality solid kitchen and bath surfaces.

And, the Plainview firm , Inc. was awarded more than $164,000 for a project designed to expand the company that designs and manufactures temperature control and de-icing equipment for the aerospace industry.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo formed the regional councils in July, saying it would drive economic growth by creating jobs. The councils competed for $785 million in funding by submitting so-called "strategic plans that invest in regional solutions to fix the economy." Long Island's plan was named one of the four "best" by the state.

"I’m extremely pleased that the Long Island Regional Council’s plan was named ‘best’ in all of New York State," said state Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City. “The regional councils across the state will change the way New York does business."

Long Island’s proposal was the result of public meetings termed "advanced transformative projects." The categories included innovative economy, smart growth for communities, natural assets and workforce and education and strategies included building on existing businesses, commercializing research, strengthening the workforce, promoting and protecting natural resources, providing equal opportunity in housing, employment and education and investing in infrastructure and other industries (tourism, agriculture, and fisheries).

There were more than 60 other projects, including proposals from villages, towns and private businesses. Long Island came in third for the most funding received, with the Central New York Regional Council's plan receiving the most with $103.7 million followed by the North Country Regional with $103.2 million.