Our economy in northern Chautauqua County is struggling mightily. It appears Gov. Andrew Cuomo has heard our cries.

State Sen. Catharine Young says Cuomo’s schedule visit to Dunkirk today will be an “historic occasion.”

Cuomo is expected to discuss the $200 million project for Chautauqua County he’s listed in his proposed budget. Early reports say the development will be some sort of medical research facility and could create hundreds of jobs.

This is good news for the region.

Cuomo may be willing to discuss what’s happening at NRG. The reality is, there is little he can do right now for the plant’s conversion from coal to gas. That project is tied up in the courts. Governors are not bigger than the court system. NRG’s future is not in the hands of Cuomo as much as it is in the legal system.

But don’t expect Cuomo to discuss other controversial issues. Today’s visit is not about the SAFE Act. Cuomo is not coming here to discuss Common Core. Don’t expect the governor to take up the issue of raising the age for juvenile offenders. That’s not why he’s coming.

This visit is about our economy. According to Assemblyman Andy Goodell, if the $200 million project comes to fruition, it would be the largest state grant in the history of Chautauqua County.

Something needs to be done so our children and grandchildren don’t have to leave the area if they want a good-paying job. It sounds like Cuomo agrees and is trying to do something about it.