Immediate Release

Information:
August 19, 1999 Robert W. Ingalls  798-5800
Utica, N.Y.:  Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. today reacted to the announcement by the United States Secretary of HUD that Oneida County would receive a grant for the development of a Child Care Center in New Hartford, New York.  HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo awarded the grant of $420,000 to County Executive Eannace at ceremonies in Little Falls this morning.

"This is good news for workers in the region who have child care problems," Eannace said.  "We are extremely pleased that HUD approved Oneida County's application for this New Hartford project.  This grant, which will be supplemented by another $825,000, from Corporate donations and bank financing, will be utilized at the New Hartford Business and Technology Park which is in the Oneida-Herkimer Economic Development Zone.  This project will continue the economic development effort in our EDZ, will help one of New Hartford's fastest growing areas and, most importantly, will provide relief for many people who live or work in this region and require child care facilities" Eannace concluded.

New Hartford Town Supervisor William Keiser said, "We are very appreciative of the support the County and HUD gave to the Town of New Hartford in working with all of us for more than a year to bring this application to fruition.  This center will be a benefit to the whole region and we extend special thanks to PAR Microsystems for taking the initiative in promoting this as a part of our New Hartford Economic Development."

According to the grant application, this project will partially finance a 10,000 square foot childcare facility at a projected cost of $1,225,000.  As proposed, the center will be developed on land to be donated by the PAR Technology Corporation.  The center will serve 116 children ages 6 through 12 years old.  The new facility will create 23 jobs in the first year, and up to 30 jobs over two years.  It is estimated that low-income persons will fill a minimum of 20 of the jobs.  It is expected that at least 150 persons will be able to work who otherwise would not be able to because of a lack of day care facilities in the area.