Local Empire Zone improvements
benefits workers and business

Assemblymember Susan John (D-Rochester) announced state approval of revisions to Rochester's Empire Zone - potentially creating 4,200 new jobs for the area and retaining another 3,300. The changes will boost at least 12 local projects - including the Port of Rochester, Sibley Center, and Midtown Plaza.

"The State Legislature created the Empire Zone program to help businesses create jobs in struggling communities like Rochester - the designation for Midtown Plaza is particularly important for the continued revitalization of downtown Rochester," said John. "Targeting tax relief for local businesses committed to investing in Rochester is the kind of flexible economic development strategy that will bring more jobs - and opportunity - to our working families."

Governor Pataki recognized the value of this Assembly-initiated program during his visit to Rochester, calling Empire Zones the single most effective economic development program in the entire country.

John noted the Assembly-initiated program was created to cut costs for businesses in economically struggling areas of the state and increase incentives as companies create more jobs. Among other benefits of the Empire Zone program, businesses can receive lower-cost electricity and other tax-free benefits. This year, John said she fought for a budget to include 10 new Empire Zones - bringing the total statewide to 72.