State invests in medical campus

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is in Buffalo Tuesday, restating his $1 billion commitment to western New York, to create thousands of jobs. He brought along his first installment, $50 million for new equipment and building space at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Top business leaders and elected officials pitched ideas to the governor Tuesday, from tourism and manufacturing, to medical research to historic preservation. Those are the areas the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council have identified for revitalization. The governor is forging ahead, despite setbacks from Superstorm Sandy.

WNY Council Co Chairman Howard Zemsky said, "We need skilled workers, we need entrepreneurs, we need investors, researchers, we need visionaries, anchor institutions, and we need world-class infrastructure. That's how we compete globally."

John Koelmel of First Niagara Financial Group said, "Enable us to attract companies that want more fertile and vibrant environment for growth. Make the Buffalo Niagara region a player on the world stage. Just as you have already made happen in Albany, with NanoTech."

The governor is announcing a partnership with an Albany-based research firm Albany Molecular Research Inc., that is expected to bring about 250 jobs eventually to Buffalo.