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EDC updates: Finch restructuring, ConnectAll broadband pilot and concerns over SUNY Adirondack program cuts
Summary
Economic development staff briefed the committee on a $2 million ConnectAll pilot for cellular capacity in Glens Falls and Lake George, a Finch pulp‑mill restructuring that could affect timber-supply jobs, and worries that SUNY Adirondack program cuts will weaken local industry pipelines.
Jim Ciplon, representing the county’s economic development corporation (EDC), gave a wide-ranging update that touched on site activity, broadband capacity pilots and a corporate restructuring with possible local employment effects.
The EDC reported roughly 80 active business engagements countywide and a pending offer on a Queensbury industrial lot that could move into planning this summer. Jim described a ConnectAll pilot (managed by Empire State Development) that would deploy about $2 million in overlay funding to expand cellular capacity and provide transportable antenna systems for Glens Falls and Lake George; the plan calls for the city and Lake George to advance working capital that would be reimbursed, and Jim said the county would be asked for a reimbursable resolution (about $200,000) at a future meeting to support its portion of cash flow.
On manufacturing, Jim said Finch has chosen to shift from in‑house pulp production to purchasing bulk pulp and refocusing capital on higher‑value output. He said Finch is working to identify affected employees and try to redeploy them within the company, but he acknowledged some job loss is likely. Jim said county staff have engaged the governor’s office, Empire State Development and other partners to pursue a rapid grant-funded study of alternate timber markets and supports for suppliers and workers.
"They're working right now to identify everybody who's affected in the pulp mill and give them an opportunity to work in the rest of their operation," Jim said. He urged quick action to seek state assistance to explore alternate uses and markets for timber and possible reinvestment strategies.
Committee members also raised concern about SUNY Adirondack’s elimination of hospitality and other locally targeted programs. Jim and members urged opening a dialogue with the college to explore how local funding and county partnerships might help reshape or restore programs that feed the county’s tourism and outdoor-recreation economy.
Next steps: the EDC will provide materials on Queensbury site activity, the county will prepare the ConnectAll reimbursement resolution for a future meeting and staff will pursue the timber‑market study grant with state partners.
