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Strengthening the Buffalo Niagara Business Climate

Great Lakes Business Agenda

Goal: Implementation of the Great Lakes Business Agenda
Background The Partnership has joined with business organizations from throughout the Great Lakes region to prepare and advocate for a common federal policy agenda focused on the growth and revitalization of the entire region. The collaboration has resulted in the development of the Great Lakes Business Agenda.
Recent Action

Transportation Infrastructure
On September 30, 2009, the nation's core surface transportation programs will expire and we need you to seize this critical opportunity to improve existing programs and increase investment in the America's roads, bridges and transit systems. On July 15, the Partnership joined in a coalition of entities from throughout the country to urge Congress to increase funding for transportation infrastructure - a primary component of the Great Lakes Business Agenda.

High-Speed Rail
On July 31, a coalition of Upstate metro chambers of commerce submitted an economic impact statement related to the "Empire Corridor" high-speed rail project. The impact statement will be included in New York State's application for high-speed rail stimulus funding, due on August 24.

Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program
On August 3, the Partnership advocated to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Congressman Chris Lee to preserve the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program in the upcoming highway and transit reauthorization legislation. The previously dedicated funding is in danger of being combined into the Projects of National Significance program, which would leave its allocation to the whim of state government.
Recent Progress
The Great Lakes Coalition of Chambers has moved forward in a manner similar to Unshackle Upstate’s, identifying funding for a staff person, who will be based in Detroit, to represent the coalition. Progress on this has been slowed to some degree by the Detroit Regional Chamber’s current focus on the auto industry’s woes.
Next Steps
  • Finalize and implement decisions regarding staffing for the Great Lakes chamber coalition.
  • Continue to monitor the economic impact of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on cross-border commerce.
  • Monitor closely and support the federal transit and infrastructure reauthorization.