While two projects for Schroon Lake didn’t make the cut, the North Country was a big winner today when New York State handed out more than $103 million dollars in economic development money to fund multiple projects.

The North Country even beat out New York City, getting grant money that will fund projects ranging from the building of a broadband network, the construction of a hotel, the expansion of a manufacturing plant and development of a research campus. The grants were announced today by Governor Cuomo

“For a place with such a small population we (The North Country) got a lot of money,” said Sharon Piper, who attended today’s announcement as a representative of the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce as part of the Regional Council’s Tourism Working Group.

“This is a home run. Jobs will be created. This is very empowering for the North Country,” said Piper , a co-owner of the Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast.

“The Governor was very enthusiastic about the Adirondacks.”

Piper said Schroon Lake’s two projects – which had requested funding for the development of two hotels – did not make the final round for consideration.

Among the highlights:

$2.5 million will support Bombardier’s expansion of their main plant in Plattsburgh, which will increase their capacity for new contracts.

$9.9 million will rehabilitate the Newton Falls Rail Project to rehabilitate, reopening the 46 mile Newton Falls Rail Line.

$4 million will support the development of community rental housing in the area of Fort Drum.

$1.8 million will expand C Speed’s advanced technology manufacturing center in Potsdam.

$472,000 will provide broadband access to communities throughout Hamilton County through a partnership with Frontier Communications.

$1.2 million will support the Trudeau Institute’s Saranac Lake research campus to modernize laboratory medical facilities and hire scientists to explore disease protection techniques.

$3 million will support the construction of the new Clayton Hotel along the St. Lawrence River

$472,000 will provide broadband access to communities throughout Hamilton County through a partnership with Frontier Communications.