Economic aid application starts Thursday

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's 10 regional economic development councils will begin accepting applications on Thursday for state grants and tax credits to support building projects, educations initiatives and business expansions.

The Long Island council will compete against councils from the Adirondacks, Albany, Binghamton and Utica for two $25 million grants. Each of these regions was a big winner in last year's competition for state business aid.

All 10 regions will each be eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits, along with a portion of the $530 million to be awarded by state agency programs.

The deadline for applications is June 16 at 4 p.m., Cuomo said Monday.

Since the governor established the councils in 2011, Long Island has secured $244.3 million for 250 projects, the third highest in the state.