Governor Hochul Declares Rust Belt Legacy over in Central New York

Governor Kathy Hochul strongly believes Utica and the surrounding areas are no longer part of the nation's Rust Belt.

Moving Forward

Speaking to reporters at SUNY Polytechnic Institute on Friday to celebrate a $44 million investment into the school, the governor insisted it marks a bright, new chapter for the Mohawk Valley.

Read More: Governor Hochul Announces $44 Mil Investment in SUNY Poly

Central New York cities, like Utica, was once a powerhouse in manufacturing during the 19th and early 20th century, where it was known as a worldwide hub for the textile industry. The region underwent severe economic and industrial decline in the mid-20th century due to offshoring, and joined what was known as the "Rust Belt."

These cities suffered from losing so many industrial workers, many factories were abandoned and fell into disrepair.

Full Steam Ahead

Now, Central New York is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with major technology and medical companies moving into the region. Wolfspeed opened a $1.2 billion chip plant facility in Marcy last April while Utica recently opened the state-of-the-art Wynn Hospital.

Other businesses have migrated to the area and Governor Hochul is ecstatic to see Central New York thriving:

The Rust Belt is the legacy of the past. This is not the Rust Belt any longer. To the extent that that was viewed as a with a negative connotation. I grew up in Buffalo near the rusty steel mills. And so I know exactly what that looks like, but that era is over, especially here in the Mohawk Valley. We've been making investments, new hospitals, new downtowns, new streets.

The governor spoke about walking the streets of Utica with outgoing Mayor Palmieri "for the last decade" and witnessing the revitalization efforts with her own eyes.

The governor also tipped her hat to the refugees who have moved to Central New York to open their own businesses and kickstart the economy.  She added these individuals are helping to keep the area's unemployment rate low, saying it currently stands at 3.3 percent.

In all, she said Utica and the surrounding cities have "really leaned into" embracing these positive changes and that, in turn, is inviting more businesses to invest in the area.

Read More: Wolfspeed Inks Multibillion Agreement with Japanese Manufacturer 

"The Rust Belt legacy is over," she declared. As for where Central New York stands now, she said it is now leaving a "legacy of ambition."

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