© 2024 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Cuomo says revamped state fair could help area's economy

Ellen Abbott
/
WRVO
Gov. Andrew Cuomo talks to reporters about new plans for the state fair during his visit to Syracuse Wednesday.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and New York State Fair officials have Gov. Andrew Cuomo squarely in their corner as they advance plans to make dramatic changes at the fairgrounds in Geddes.  

Cuomo’s been coming to the state fair for years. Most recently of course as governor, when he takes a walk through the fairgrounds with politicians, his daughters and a sausage sandwich in hand.  

But he remembers tagging along with his father, Mario Cuomo, when he was governor more than 25 years ago. In that time though, not much has changed. Officials say that’s made him more sensitive to the need for updating the fair and Cuomo agrees -- he’s all in.

"I am committed to investing in the state fair as one of the assets that can actually drive a stronger economy" said Cuomo in Syracuse Wednesday.

It’s that economic development component that Cuomo emphasizes when talking about updating the fair grounds. He says it coincides with his goal of bringing jobs upstate. The plan includes an equestrian park, and iceplex and an RV park.

"It’s very exciting, and we’re going to get to work talking about it.  And we’re open to ideas, and the more creative, the better,” said the governor.

Cuomo earmarked $50 million to fix up the fair in the budget that he’s now negotiating with lawmakers in Albany. If the funding is approved, it comes on the heels of a $30 million state investment last year that’s been part of a redevelopment of the western shore of Onondaga Lake. That includes construction of an amphitheater that is expected to replace the fair’s grandstand.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.