Clinton Co. Business Innovation Gateway reclaims old airport property

PLATTSBURGH | An expanse of land on what once was the Clinton County Airport is now redeveloped and ready for new business. The Clinton County Business Innovation Gateway (CCBIG) has been in planning for several years, and on Thursday, Oct. 10, Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry cut the ribbon held up by a row of officials from both public and private interests. There are 135 acres of shovel-ready opportunity available for manufacturing, supply and industry development. Road infrastructure water lines, sewer lines, broadband and fiber optic lines are in place, part of a nearly $6 million investment through Town of Plattsburgh planning in collaboration with federal government resources; Clinton County and the county's Industrial Development Agency; New York Empire State Development and TDC, whose inaugural support helped focus reuse on the site. The new road and town water/sewer lines received a total $6 million in support, including $1.5 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration; $500,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission; $3 million in FAST-NY funding; $500,000 from Clinton County; $250,000 from the Town of Plattsburgh and $250,000 from TDC. The new business gateway adjoins the Air Industrial Park on Industrial Boulevard, which is bustling with manufacturing facilities managed by TDC, along with private manufacturing properties, including Norsk Titanium and J&S Steel. DOUGLAS BOULEVARD The newly built road that leads into the 135-acre Innovation Gateway was officially named Douglas Boulevard to honor longtime North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas. Covered with a black wrapper, the street sign was revealed as part of the celebration Officials at the ceremony represented all sides of project development, from finance to lawmakers, electric supply and infrastructure and engineering to real estate brokers. Chairman Henry recognized over two dozen partners whose contribution brought the new industrial park online. He thanked fellow county legislators, who he said were involved from day one, and Molly Ryan, the county's economic development director. Henry acknowledged the vision of Dave Champagne, president and CEO at TDC; Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman; Garry Douglas and chamber partner, Joel Wood, director of the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment (NAmTrans), among numerous others. Henry recalled that when the airport moved, "there was a vision for something new to happen here." It was a feat of collaboration and vision, he said, that built the new Innovation Gateway, allowing the county room to support innovation, business growth and job creation. "The Clinton County Business Innovation Gateway will serve as a critical nexus, connecting local businesses to broader markets, attracting new industries and encouraging partnerships that will not only create jobs but also enhance the quality of life for our residents," Henry said. "The investments the county and our partners have made in this project will undoubtedly ripple forward, bringing lasting prosperity to the entire region for generations to come." FAST-NY In 2022, Assemblyman Billy Jones took the emerging idea and pressed forward with legislation to establish a funding source for shovel-ready economic development in small communities. The FAST-NY program he sponsored announced its first awards in Aug. 2023 through Empire State Development (ESD). Clinton County won $3 million for infrastructure at the Innovation Gateway in March this year. Over $200 million in FAST-NY grant funds have been provided statewide to date. Happy to have reached official opening after years of work, Jones said state support is vital to economic growth in small communities. "This is really a monumental day," Jones said. "I can't wait for what's about to happen here." ESD Regional Director Steve Hunt applauded the public-private collaboration. "Congratulations to all of the partners that worked so hard on this," he said. From the Chamber's NAmTrans, Wood said opportunity at this park "stems from a culture of teamwork and collaboration." For Clinton County Legislator Patty Waldron, the newly built and paved Douglas Boulevard is more than just a new road. "It's about what the road represents for our future," Waldron said. GROWTH AND INNOVATION Supervisor Cashman appreciated town councilors, employees and planners for working diligently on this project. "In 2016, I fondly recall pitching the idea of leveraging a grant the town secured for a former Clinton County Airport Infrastructure Feasibility Study. At the time, the town was embarking on our $24 million Water and Wastewater Capital Planning, and we wanted to ensure we were prepared for future opportunities and capacity needs," he said. The Town Council integrated the Innovation Gateway infrastructure into it water capital plan, appropriating $250,000 to make it a reality, he said. He thanked members of the town Planning Department, Trevor Cole and Jessica Kogus, along with Plattsburgh's Water and Wastewater Director Scott Stoddard and Highway Superintendent Greg Burnell, along with the engineering team at Laberge Group. "This project exemplifies the Town of Plattsburgh's philosophy to 'plan the work, work the plan,' and underscores our commitment to strategic investments that drive both growth and innovation," Cashman said. A town highway crew came to remove the cover from the Douglas Boulevard street sign. "The naming of this road in honor of Garry Douglas symbolizes his visionary leadership and ensures that the North Country will continue to be a vibrant hub for business and workforce development," Cashman said. The property is already drawing interest, with TDC obtaining 12 acres and Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) is planning a new 155,000 square foot technology training facility on 18 acres. The site off of Industrial Boulevard in the Town of Plattsburgh could eventually grow to use the entire 450-acre former airport property.

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Clinton Co. Business Innovation Gateway reclaims old airport property

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