Clinton Co. awarded $3M in FAST NY grant awards

PLATTSBURGH | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced more than $45 million to improve seven locations- including one in Clinton County- under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program. First announced in February 2022, FAST NY is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to jumpstart New York's shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. The program, administered by Empire State Development, will help diversify New York State's economy while propelling new investments for businesses, communities, and job creation. Since its inception, FAST NY has awarded more than $175 million to 20 sites in every region Upstate. Additionally, Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $100 million in the FY2025 Executive Budget to expand the FAST NY program and build on its success in preparing sites across the state for shovel readiness. "From the Hudson Valley to the Southern Tier, these FAST NY investments are helping to unlock economic opportunity all across our state," Gov. Hochul said in announcing the funding March 1. "Businesses of the future are flocking to New York because of our top-notch workforce, our thoughtful incentives, and our turnkey, shovel-ready sites, and I am committed to working with the Legislature to bring in even more 21st century employers and grow the jobs of tomorrow in our state." In announcing the $3 million FAST NY grant for Clinton County, Hochul said the county airport property in Plattsburgh contains more than 450 acres of developable land. Portions of the site have already been redeveloped for three industrial sites, and officials said this project will allow for infrastructure improvements including water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, electric, as well as the construction of a roadway to allow for the development of an additional 135 acres of land. Located only three minutes from I-87 and adjacent to the existing Air Industrial Park, which is at full capacity, this site will accommodate up to 1.7 million square feet for use in manufacturing, light industrial processing, warehousing, and distribution. Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry called the news an "exciting day for Clinton County. These funds will ensure the completion of the infrastructure at the Clinton County Business Innovation Gateway, which is sure to attract businesses and grow jobs. "Clinton County thanks Governor Hochul and her team at Empire State Development for their commitment to foster economic development in the North Country. We look forward to working with our municipal partners, TDC, and the North Country Chamber of Commerce to develop this property which truly defines "Shovel-Ready." Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman sad "The transformation of the former Clinton County airport property in the Town of Plattsburgh signifies a remarkable opportunity for economic growth and development. We are proud to be part of this public-private partnership. Together we are unlocking the full potential of this land, fostering job creation, attracting investment, and fostering prosperity within our community." The North Country Chamber of Commerce quickly welcomed the announcement for further industrial park development at the former Clinton County airport site following the steadfast advocacy of the county, chamber and Assemblyman Billy Jones. "This state investment in the old airport property has been a high priority for Clinton County, the County IDA, the Town of Plattsburgh, the TDC and the Chamber in active outreach in Albany since last year," said Chamber President Garry Douglas. "This will build upon the infrastructure work already underway with prior federal and local funding to create shovel-ready development status for hundreds of acres adjacent to both the TDC park and CV-TEC's training resources. And the state clearly recognizes that Plattsburgh is a perfect target for this investment with a manufacturing base that continues to grow and strategies in place that will definitely draw development to these upcoming ready sites in the years ahead. Special thanks to the Governor and her team for continuing to respond to such identified economic development priorities we have put forward, and to Assemblyman Billy Jones who was the original sponsor of the FAST NY program. And congratulations to the county and local team for another important success." Assemblyman Jones said "Congratulations to the Clinton County IDA for the $3 million FAST-NY grant they received to redevelop the former Clinton County Airport! This grant is based on a bill I introduced to provide funding for shovel-ready projects like this that will bring new jobs and opportunities to the North Country and the rest of the state. It is vitally important for the state to support economic development projects in small communities like the North Country and I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders to revitalize the former Clinton County Airport."

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Clinton Co. awarded $3M in FAST NY grant awards

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