BUFFALO, N.Y. — State and federal financial investment leaders announced $14 million in New Markets Tax Credits Tuesday to help further develop the historic Northland Central complex in Buffalo. Crews continue to work on the vacant complex, which includes a 93,000 square foot manufacturing training facility for hundreds of new and skilled workers.

Elected leaders say the public-private partnership serves as a symbol of hope, as well as part of an economic rebirth to a once-vibrant neighborhood that has been distressed and neglected for far too long. Those with the center say the facility will train people for entry-level competitive production jobs in areas like machinery and welding to help transition from a current aging workforce.

"In not only meeting the needs of the manufacturing and energy sectors, but as well as reaching out into the community and preparing local residents to be able to participate in these jobs," said Stephen Tucker, Northland Workforce Training Center CEO.

"This site, we believe, will become the center of the universe for people who live here," said Jack Quinn, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust vice chairman. "And the good news that comes from this building with the training and the jobs and everything else that goes with it is also contagious. And other good things are going to happen."

The training center is set to open in the fall, while leaders hope to cut the ribbon on the entire complex in summer 2018.