The Daily Freeman is reporting the latest round in the state’s annual Regional Economic Development Council competition is underway, with $750 million to be awarded to projects statewide. The economic development money will be awarded to 10 regions. Businesses, local governments and not-for-profits are able to apply for assistance from dozens of state programs aimed at creating jobs and revitalizing communities. The annual program was launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2011, and so far has awarded $5.4 billion to more than 6,000 projects statewide. However, the program has been criticized for its lack of transparency and failure to attain its own job-creation goals. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.