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hanna_rep_120U.S. Representative Richard Hanna was honored with the National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) “2012 House of Representatives Legislator of the Year.” Congressman Hanna was selected for the award based on “outstanding leadership and support of federal policies and programs that support regional and local economic competitiveness initiatives,” NADO officials announced.

The NADO National Leadership Award is presented annually.  The award that was presented to Congressman Hanna displays a photograph of a local landmark - the Utica Public Library.

“Congressman Hanna is a fierce advocate for economic development and job creation, including making the public investments needed to support vital industries in our state,” Eisenhut said. “He has an unwavering commitment to providing new economic opportunities for our nation’s local communities, including in New York’s 24th district, and understands that federal programs like EDA play a vital role in providing the seed capital or gap financing that is often necessary to spark new private investments in distressed areas.”

hannaleg_400Pictured at left is Greg Eisenhut, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (Mohawk, N.Y.) who presented Rep. Hanna with the award Wednesday during NADO’s Washington Policy Conference in Arlington, Virginia. Erik Miller, Director of the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board (Binghamton, N.Y.), also represented the state’s regional councils at the event.

Eisenhut said that “as Vice Chairman of the House T&I Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Representative Hanna ensured that the House transportation reauthorization bill strengthens the role of local elected officials in working with state DOT officials on transportation planning issues. He understands that the transportation planning process is the gateway for accessing federal surface transportation resources and it is essential for all local communities and their local elected officials to have a stronger voice with our state DOT colleagues.”

One of Congressman Hanna’s top priorities for the transportation bill was to empower small, rural communities to form regional planning organizations to represent their interests and coordinate with state transportation departments.

“Upstate New York faces stiff competition for limited resources, but Upstate communities deserve a fair share and know our needs best,” Congressman Hanna said. “This provision gives our communities a seat at the table so their voices can be heard. It is an honor to receive this award.”

The economic revitalization of Central New York and the Southern Tier has been Congressman Hanna’s primary focus. He has continually stood up for pro-growth policies and programs that enable groups like MVEDD and Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board to fulfill their mission and bring new opportunities to our region.

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