The boundary revisions to the zone will replace roughly 153 acres of land with 151 acres that have greater potential for near-term economic development, state officials said.

According to local economic development officials, among the employers that will benefit from the revisions to the zone are Southeast Container, which plans to invest $20 million and create 80 new jobs; Foss Group LLC, which plans to invest $40 million to develop the City of Beacon waterfront and create up to 250 new jobs; and Emerald Technology Solutions, which plans to make a $4-million investment that will retain 15 jobs and create 100 new jobs.

"By making these smart revisions to our Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone, we will strengthen local businesses, stimulate millions of dollars in new investment and create hundreds of new job opportunities for the people of Dutchess County," Governor Pataki said. "Despite the fiscal challenges that we face as a result of Sept. 11, 2001 and the national economic downturn, economic growth and business prosperity remain a top priority--we will continue to choose jobs and promote policies that encourage growth."

There are currently 72 Empire Zones across New York State. Empire Zones are designated areas throughout the state that offer significant incentives to encourage economic development, business investment and job creation. Businesses operating inside a zone are eligible for a range of tax benefits that are applied against new capital investments. Benefits include tax reduction credits, real property tax credits, sales tax exemptions, wage tax credits and utility rate reductions.