Ashley Hassett

Event showcases student innovation and creativity

Ashley Hassett — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:36:00 +0000

More than 100 kids showcased their ideas at the 11th annual Western New York Invention Convention, held recently at Medaille College in Buffalo. It was created to promote creative thinking and encourage scientific problem solving.

Program aims to promote manufacturing careers to students

Ashley Hassett — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:11:25 +0000

A new program aims to promote high-tech manufacturing careers in high schools across Western New York. Dream it, Do it WNY educates high school students about the broad range of careers available in the industry.

SUNY program aims to boost entrepreneurship in region

Ashley Hassett — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:33:58 +0000

The SUNY Research Foundation will give funds to several of its institutions to help foster entrepreneurship, including the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and Upstate Medical University.

Maid of the Mist construction resumes with much opposition

Ashley Hassett — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:52:56 +0000

The Maid of the Mist tour boats have been working around Niagara Falls for 167 years. Development has just resumed on the operation’s new maintenance dock, after delays caused by local opposition.

Farm run-off is polluting Lake Erie, says new report

Ashley Hassett — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:19:00 +0000

A new report called Taken By Storm released by the National Wildlife Foundation is highlighting the issue of excessive fertilizer runoff into Lake Erie. The resulting algal blooms can seriously impact the health of those who rely on its water.

Ammonium nitrate storage closely regulated in New York

Ashley Hassett — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:10:00 +0000

The chemical responsible for the death of 14 people and injury of over 200 in West, Texas, is in wide use. Leaving many upstate New Yorkers wondering how ammonium nitrate is regulated in New York state.

State approves funding for upstate food and agriculture projects

Ashley Hassett — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:48:00 +0000

Empire State Development approved funding for two upstate food and agriculture related measures in their meeting Friday.

Proposed border crossing fee faces bipartisan opposition

Ashley Hassett — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:15:51 +0000

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s is proposing a border crossing fee for those traveling into the country from Canada. So far the idea is drawing opposition from representatives across New York state.

Proposed border crossing fee faces bipartisan opposition

Ashley Hassett — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:02:53 +0000

Farmers and foodies call for fracking ban

Ashley Hassett — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:50:42 +0000

A coalition of farmers and foodies are urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ban hydraulic fracturing in New York state right away. Groups across the state are expected to meet throughout the week to alert the public to the risks they believe fracking poses to the state’s agricultural viability.

Report says state’s energy could be almost 100% renewable by 2030

Ashley Hassett — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:38:40 +0000

A recent study outlines a scenario that would see New York state’s energy infrastructure based on close to 100 percent renewable sources by the year 2030.

Training program aims to fill jobs in food processing sector

Ashley Hassett — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:01:12 +0000

New food processing facilities are popping up across western New York, and they're generating demand for skilled workers to operate them.

New window coating allows sunlight but filters heat

Ashley Hassett — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:41:17 +0000

It’s a creation expected to reduce the cost of heating and cooling for homes and businesses. It took five years for University at Buffalo Professor Sarbajit Banerjee and his students to invent a window film that repels heat from the sun.

Installations up, but solar can't deliver a renewable future alone

Ashley Hassett — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:04:48 +0000

In mid-2012, the NY-Sun initiative was launched to make solar power in the state more affordable. But much still needs to be done make solar technology truly competitive.

Advisory group looks to rejuvinate NY legacy cities

Ashley Hassett — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:30:00 +0000

An advisory group looking at strategies for rejuvenating New York state's "legacy cities" says collaboration and coordination with the governor's Regional Economic Development Councils are crucial for upstate cities dealing with declining populations and job opportunities.

Loss of major movie in WNY may boost case for more film tax credits in NY

Ashley Hassett — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:02:00 +0000

Western New York has missed out on being the setting for a major motion picture, but Republican state Senator Patrick Gallivan hopes the loss of the movie “Draft Day,” starring Kevin Costner, will help push along a bill that would offer tax credits for films to be shot in New York state.

EPA provides advice on sustainable growth to WNY communites

Ashley Hassett — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 13:02:00 +0000

The Environmental Protection Agency announced this month it will be providing technical assistance to three western New York communities. They were chosen out of 121 applicants and are three of 43 communities to be assisted across the country. The EPA will provide the aid by delivering workshops on developing sustainable growth strategies.

A timely technology voucher for low-income state schools

Ashley Hassett — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 09:02:00 +0000

A large number of schools across the state will receive $87 million to be used for technology. The state Education Department announced that low-income public and charter schools will be receiving a voucher that can be used to purchase computer software, hardware and equipment needed for computer networks and technology infrastructure.

Cuomo reacts to IDA backlash on sales tax proposal

Ashley Hassett — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:38:14 +0000

During his visit to western New York on Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo reacted to the backlash by Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) against his executive budget proposal that would remove their powers to grant state sales tax exemptions.

Researchers conduct first major earthquake simulation in New York state

Ashley Hassett — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:52:35 +0000

Researchers from the University at Buffalo conducted the state's first large-scale earthquake simulation on Tuesday to determine how prone unreinforced masonry walls are to quake damage.

Cuomo wants to shift some IDA powers to his regional councils

Ryan Delaney and Ashley Hassett — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:01:00 +0000

In Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed budget, the state’s Industrial Development Agencies, or IDAs, would no longer be able to grant state sales tax exemptions for economic development projects. Instead, that authority will go to Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils.

Gillibrand introduces bill to boost high-tech manufacturing

Ashley Hassett — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:41:06 +0000

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced a bill intended to boost high-tech manufacturing. The Democrat from New York visited the Harper International company outside Buffalo to discuss the Made in America Manufacturing Act, which is her first bill to go before the new Congress.