ALBANY – It’s a full-scale production. Video, darkened theater, speeches and more speeches, and even a media celebrity to headline the presentation: CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo.
But still no decision on which four regions will be selected to receive the major share of a $200 million pot of economic development funds.
“This was a competitive process,’’ said Bruce Katz, a member of the panel that judged the 10 different submissions, including the offering of a five-county area of Western New York.
Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy just got done calling Gov. Andrew Cuomo a “genius’’ and “the best governor in the country.’’
Speakers also sought to stress the final decision – within the hour – should not leave a taste of winners and losers, even though four regions will be in line for the biggest flow of dollars from the $200 million program. Indeed, Assembly Speaker Sheldon said the program will likely be continued next year so losing bidders today might be "winners of the future.''
-- By Tom Precious
