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FAST NY Award Accelerates STAMP Infrastructure

Thu, Nov 2nd 2023 10:30 am

New York State has awarded $56 million to advance critical infrastructure at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park Mega-Site (STAMP).

STAMP is a 1250-acre mega site, with access to significant power, water and completed pre-development. STAMP is the largest remaining site in New York State, which has already committed over $50 million to the site and where Plug Power’s green hydrogen project is currently under construction and Edwards Vacuum will be starting construction on their semiconductor dry pump factory next spring.

STAMP is integral to the recent EDA Regional Tech Hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor and the state’s strategic goal of creating a "semiconductor superhighway" across Upstate.

This $62.37 phase of the project focuses on building the remaining infrastructure to support advanced manufacturing projects including a wastewater treatment facility and pump station, force-main components, natural gas transmission main tap and extension within the site, road construction improvements and a water transmission main.

"The FAST NY award announced by Governor Hochul today demonstrates her steadfast commitment to next-generation site development that will bring emerging business sectors in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing to our region," said Steve Hyde, President and CEO, Genesee County Economic Development Center. "This award creates significant momentum in our efforts to design, engineer and secure permits for infrastructure at STAMP, including current projects that have been announced to date that are anticipated to generate $1 billion of private sector investment and the creation of over 600 family sustaining jobs.  The FAST NY award also follows Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s recent announcement of the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse regions being designated as a federal Tech Hub which will only enhance continued interest at STAMP by companies in these business sectors."

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly $90 million has been awarded for six locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program. First announced in February 2022, the program 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.

"Through the FAST NY grant program, New York is continuing its commitment to investing in and expanding economic growth and opportunity across the state," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will prepare shovel-ready sites that key industries like semiconductors and renewable energy are looking for and will create good jobs and grow local economies for generations to come."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York State is taking proactive steps to ensure that we are at the top of the list when companies are starting the site selection process and Fast NY allows municipalities and IDAs to have the support they need to develop sites around specific industries such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, renewable energy, life science and agribusiness. Through programs like FAST NY we are ensuring New York State remains a top destination for relocation and expansion."

FAST NY funding through ESD awards grants for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. Through FAST NY, ESD can award a "FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification" for sites that meet high standards of shovel readiness, to support and enhance their marketing efforts to attract more industries. For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.

New York State Economic Development Council Executive Director Ryan M Silva said, "Investing in sites to attract the careers and industries of the future is critical to the success of New York’s economy. Investments in infrastructure create good paying construction jobs and further helps facilitate public private partnerships. Today’s awards once again validate the vital role industrial development agencies play in New York’s economy, pairing local expertise and resources with state funding to support and build sustainable communities. We thank Governor Hochul and the team at ESD for their leadership and partnership with the FAST NY Program and the awardees for investing in New York’s future."

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, "Today’s announcement by Governor Hochul puts New York in a very competitive position as we secure private and public investment for our economic development. As Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Economic Development, I strongly support FAST-NY and know it is an important first step ensuring a good foundation for job growth. FAST-NY, in combination with our federal designation as a Tech Hub, will allow us to attract the advance manufacturing companies vital for our region’s future economic expansion."