Local projects get state funds 

The Finger Lakes region is getting $63.9 million through the state's annual Regional Economic Development Council awards.

The funding will cover 110 different projects across the nine-county area served by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. The awards are based on an annual strategic plan prepared by the council.

One of the bigger awards – $2 million – is going to the Skyview on the Ridge project. The property's new owner is overhauling and repurposing the former Irondequoit Mall. CGI Communications is getting $1.5 million to aid in the construction of its new offices and a parking garage in downtown Rochester.

A $500,000 grant will help Buckingham Properties kick its Alexander Park development back into gear. The company will tear down an unused building on the former Genesee Hospital property on Alexander Street near Monroe Avenue. In its place, the developer will build a four-story building with office space and apartments, according to the state's awards book.

Mindex Technologies, an IT and software company based in Henrietta, is expanding and will occupy the first-floor offices in the new Alexander Park building. It's receiving $350,000 worth of state assistance.

Generally, the awards range in size from just over $35,000 to a few million dollars. They cover smaller grants for arts and cultural projects, including some programming around the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass's chosen birthday; various municipal drinking water and sewer projects; and investments in agricultural facilities and programs.

The awards also devote funding to job training, job placement, and workforce development programs. A few streambank restoration and storm water management projects are included as well.