Unveils Major Economic Development Initiatives, Purchase of a Fitness and Aquatic Center in Cohoes, Plans to Build State-Of-The-Art Sports Complex, and Development of Two Major “Shovel-Ready” Sites

Announces Funding for Workforce Development, the Arts, and Combating Food Insecurity

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today delivered his 13^th State of the County Address at MVP Arena to a room of elected and government officials, business executives and community leaders. During his speech and presentation, the County Executive announced a number of major policy initiatives that will serve to support the overall health of Albany County residents.

“Our strength is measured by the health of us, as a community, as people, and as a government.  Indeed, the health of one is indelibly intertwined with the health of the whole. 

And our health is not solitary, but rather compounded and inclusive of our physical health, mental health, social health, and financial health. Here in Albany County we have broken down walls, broken down barriers and broken-down silos to ease access to government services, to stimulate economic growth and to strengthen our communities,” said County Executive McCoy.

During the State of the County presentation, the County Executive announced that Albany County has entered into an agreement to purchase a fitness and aquatic center located in Cohoes. A revitalized public pool is an important resource for residents seeking both leisure and exercise. This will allow the County to enhance the highly successful Life Guard Certification program and establish a new “Learn to Swim” program, among other important initiatives. Additionally, it was announced that Albany County will build a state-of-the-art sport complex allowing for new recreation opportunities regardless of weather, including basketball, volleyball, baseball, golf, soccer, football and indoor walking/running track. Both of these facilities will be available to the public at no cost.

“I have made access to health and recreation a cornerstone of my administration,” said County Executive McCoy. “These projects are significant as they represent our commitment to the wellness needs of our community. Recreation should not only be available to those with deeper pockets. For the sake of our entire community, our youth, our seniors and our vulnerable population, we must provide opportunities regardless of income.”

Additionally, to promote economic development and attract future projects, the Albany County Department of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning and the Advance Albany County Alliance are developing two major “shovel-ready” sites near the Albany County International Airport. One is the Ann Lee Home/Heritage Park site and the other is the former Al Tech Steel site in Watervliet. These are prime locations for future development in strategic industries like nanotechnology, life sciences, and renewable energy.

Albany County is using funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to make strategic investments in the community to help support these economic development initiatives. In addition to job creation, the County Executive is working to create a pipeline of talent in the County. More than $2.2 million has been awarded to 15 organizations that will expand job training and career advancement programs and support wrap around services in the County.

“This targeted funding will result in hundreds of new training opportunities in the County that will help meet the workforce needs of high demand industries like health care and manufacturing. We will ensure that workers have access to the technical training and education they need to succeed in this ever-changing labor market,” said County Executive McCoy.

The County Executive also made a commitment of $1.5 million to the arts through these same ARPA funds. The arts were one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic and have yet to make a full recovery.

“We are committed to continuing funding for arts programs, particularly ones that engage our youth and open their eyes, ears and hearts to the expression inside of them,” said County Executive McCoy.

The County Executive continues to combat food insecurity in the region, announcing a commitment of $250,000 in this year’s County Budget to support the Food Bank of Northeastern New York. This growing health concern has only gotten worse since the pandemic and this investment emphasizes the importance of tackling the root causes behind this complex problem.

“Here in Albany County, we are taking action, but there is more to do. We must work collaboratively, as a county, as a state and as a country to address systemic problems that are the root causes of hunger and food insecurities, including underemployment, family and housing instability, inflation and generational discrimination,” said County Executive McCoy. “We have worked with the United Way, and its CEO Peter Gannon and the Food Bank of Northeastern New York, as well as nearly 60 food pantries and soup kitchens to get healthy food to families within our neighborhoods that need it most.”

County Executive McCoy remains deeply committed to protecting the environment and unveiled the Responsible Paper Reduction Act (RPRA), a new County policy that aims to reduce paper use by County Departments.

“Cutting back on printing aligns with our efforts to combat climate change and will encourage innovation. Embracing digital alternatives not only reduces carbon emissions associated with paper production and disposal but also streamlines workflow processes, leading to cost savings and increased productivity. We will also use this as an opportunity to explore the newest technologies, including AI, making services more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly for residents,” said County Executive McCoy.

The 2024 State of the County address may be read in its entirety here: State of the County Address