Spitzer announced his billion-dollar plan to stimulate upstate New York, providing a glimmer of good news about the economy amid whispers of recession.
The governor's plan should open upstate New York for business by marketing it to Ontario and Quebec businesses, according to The Buffalo News. Hopefully some businesses will bite, unlike the Bass Pro Shop.
The money will be scattered about all areas of upstate New York. But the second largest grant of $5.5 million will go towards a renovation of a state park in Niagara Falls, making the Goat Island Bridge usable to pedestrians, and renovating the Cave of the Winds on the American side of the Falls.
On the outside, Spitzer's plan appears to be encouraging tourism. The strength of the Canadian dollar will reignite New York's struggling economy. However, New York is one of the many states that have signed a Federal bill changing the driver's license; according to CNN.com, by 2014 people under 50 will need to have a REAL ID driver's license to board planes - making travel more difficult. Additionally, starting Feb. 1 of this year, people will need at least birth certificate to cross the Canadian-US border; by June 2009 passports will be required.
However, by encouraging the new identification, Spitzer is discouraging spontaneous tourism. Pouring money into the Cave of the Winds attraction would be wasteful if crossing the bridges was made difficult. The Goat Island Bridge has no tollbooths, and parks are free. How will dispensing funds into these two programs help upstate thrive?
According to The Buffalo News, Spitzer promises taxes will not be raised - meaning the majority of funds will be borrowed. If the Upstate Revitalization Fund is spent and fails to stimulate the economy, Spitzer will have increased the already huge $4.3 billion deficit.
Before Spitzer can try to put a dent in the deficit, he must put New York's best foot forward for the economy. But if he wants to close the gap in the future, parks and pedestrian bridges aren't going to cut it. Those things can come later once upstate is stabilized.
Instead of throwing money at a bridge to nowhere, small businesses should be the focus of the Upstate Revitalization Fund. Businesses, not parks, will boost the economy. Canadians need something to buy when they come over here - small businesses are the ideal way to bring in profits, and keep the money here in Buffalo.
Spitzer has the right idea with throwing money at a problem, he's just throwing it in the wrong direction. That $5.5 million grant could instead infuse numerous small businesses with the boost that they need.
Flying Bison Brewing Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, from WGRZ.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
