Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site Project

Two shovel-ready development projects are underway with a goal of being completed in 2026CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY -- If you’re looking to establish, expand, or even relocate your business while significantly reducing the hassles of red tape that can cause major delays in getting your project off the ground, you’re probably looking for a site that’s “Shovel-Ready.” In today’s competitive economic climate, businesses of all sizes desire shovel-ready sites for the significant time and cost savings they offer. These sites, with pre-existing permitting and infrastructure such as roads and utilities, allow businesses to begin construction and operations much faster than traditional development projects that can often be encumbered by permitting and other leg work that come with developing on a vacant piece of property. Here in Western New York, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is continuously working to identify and develop shovel-ready sites within Chautauqua County. There are currently two shovel-ready projects in development, with a goal of having both completed in 2026. Additionally, the CCIDA has its sights on other prospective locations for future shovel-ready site development. The larger of the two sites currently under way is located in Ripley at the western border of Chautauqua County and New York State. Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2026, this 140+ acre site will be pre-permitted and will have all necessary infrastructure (electric, gas, water, sewer, communications, and transportation) for light industrial uses, including warehousing, assembly, distribution, and manufacturing activities. With direct access to Interstate 90 and within an hour of Buffalo and Canada - and just two hours from Cleveland – the Ripley shovel-ready site is strategically located for a variety of potential uses and can accommodate a single large-scale operation, or multiple businesses. The total cost of the project is estimated at least $15.2 million dollars, with funding coming from local, state, and federal sources. A second 40-acre shovel-ready project is also underway on the southeastern side of Chautauqua County, just outside of Jamestown, within the Mason Industrial Park. Scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026, this site will provide all necessary permitting and infrastructure (electric, gas, water, sewer, communications, and transportation) for light or heavy industrial uses. Located in the industrial corridor of the Jamestown metro region and serviced by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, this site offers affordable electric and water utilities and is within a mile of Interstate 86, a major corridor along the New York State Southern Tier connecting the Great Lakes Region with New York City and the U.S. Upper East Coast. The cost for this project is approximately $650,000, and includes investments from both the CCIDA and Chautauqua County government. Businesses interested in either the Ripley or Mason Park locations will not only have the advantage of developing on shovel-ready property, but will also have the CCIDA as a partner to provide financial assistance, including tax exemptions and low interest loans, along with technical assistance to help identify and provide additional support for their project through state and federal sources. Given the time and resources committed toward Ripley and Mason Park to ensure they will be shovel-ready in 2026, both are considered by the CCIDA and County as high-priority projects. The CCIDA is committed to not only completing them on schedule and within budget, but also working with any and all prospective clients interested in development leading up to and once they are compete. This means both sites should be considered top-contenders for countless businesses looking to grow and expand in the Great Lakes Region, considering more than 40% of the top 50 U.S. metro regions are within ten hours shipping time of Chautauqua County. Chautauqua County’s close proximity to Ontario also makes it an attractive location for Canadian businesses that are looking to establish a foothold in the United States, but still be relatively close to home base. Besides Interstates 86 and 90, Chautauqua County also includes a network of other key State and Federal highways, along with well-maintained county roads, freight rail service, and two general aviation airports. The County is also attractive for businesses concerned with extreme weather. It’s worth noting that Chautauqua County lies within a climate refuge region – an area touted by researchers, public officials, and city planners as a natural refuge from extreme climate conditions that result in severe weather and water shortages. This makes the County attractive for any businesses that want to establish long-term operations with little or no disruptions caused by nature. With two shovel-ready sites in the pipeline and other potential sites on the horizon, a well-trained and committed workforce, and local partners committed to assisting and supporting business interests in New York State, it’s no wonder Chautauqua County has positioned itself as a sound and logical choice for business development. About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. They facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses.  For more information visit www.ccida.com.

CCIDA CEO, County Officials Meet with Senator Schumer in Washington D.C.(from left to right) David McCoy, Chautauqua County Watershed Coordinator; Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO; U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer; Paul "PJ" Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive; and Pierre Chagnon, Chair, Chautauqua County Legislature (photo provided by Office of Sen. Schumer) PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY OFFICE OF SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER  WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday, May 6 personally welcomed Chautauqua County leaders to our nation’s Capital. Schumer met with County Executive P.J. Wendel, Chairman of the County Legislature Pierre Chagnon, Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Dave McCoy, County Watershed Coordinator, and others to discuss the most pressing issues facing the region.  “Next to visiting the region, one of my favorite parts of the year is welcoming Chautauqua County officials down to Washington D.C. to listen to their top priorities for the county. It is a breath of fresh air and shows how we can work in a bipartisan way to get real results for people. We discussed the funding I have already gotten for Barcelona Harbor and how because of that funding the long-awaited dredging to ensure its Barcelona Harbor’s long-term stability is starting this month,” said Senator Schumer. “We also talked about the Ripley Interstate shovel-ready site and the funding I have delivered for that, and we spoke of how I can continue to support Chautauqua County’s growth on a federal level. There is a lot of work to do attracting businesses to the region and working to make sure repairs at our harbors stays on track and that we continue to preserve Lake Erie. I am proud to be Chautauqua County’s loudest, proudest voice in Washington.” Schumer added, “Everything I do in Washington for the region is with the people of Chautauqua County at the top of my mind, and I will always fight alongside County Executive Wendel and leaders across Chautauqua to make sure their needs are heard and responded to in Washington.” Schumer has long fought to deliver federal resources for Chautauqua County, securing $7.5 million for the Army Corps to repair the west breakwater in Barcelona Harbor and $500,000 for Chautauqua Lake Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Study in the FY2024 government budget; $4.8 million for dredging Dunkirk Holiday Harbor Agitation Correction & Segmented Offshore Breakwaters Construction Project in the FY2023 budget; and $5.9 million for the Dunkirk Harbor Breakwater and Dredging, $1.15M for Barcelona Harbor, and $1M for the Cattaraugus Breakwater in the FY2022 budget. Schumer today discussed with county officials how he can continue to support Chautauqua County’s requests for federal funding this year. Schumer last year also secured $1 million for the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA)’s Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site project to extend electrical service to prepare a 147-acre site for future employers.  

CCIDA and CCPEG-Related Projects Exceed $300 million in InvestmentsJAMESTOWN, NY -- At its February 25, 2025 meeting, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors reviewed the Choose CHQ 2024 Annual Report, highlighting accomplishments for the past year. The report not only provided year-in-review details for the CCIDA, but also the 2024 accomplishments of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), an initiative under the CCIDA’s component agency, the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). READ/DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT During the meeting, Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, CCIDA CEO, and CCPEG Co-Chair, shared the CCIDA’s Top 10 Accomplishments for the year, along with its top 10 goals for 2025. Geise noted that the CCIDA was involved in 18 separate development project that will provide, if fully realized, an investment of over $311 million in the County. These projects would also result in the retention of 771 jobs, the creation of 166 new permanent jobs, and also provide 561 construction jobs. Projects that involve PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes) will result in $4.9 million in new revenue for taxing jurisdictions over the terms of the PILOTs, which wouldn’t have been realized had these projects not moved forward. Some of the key 2024 accomplishments include: Wells Ice Cream Phase III Expansion ($175 million) (pictured); Southern Tier Environments for Living Gateway Lofts project ($67 million); Silver Creek Apartments LLC project ($20.2 million); Dahlstrom Rollform’s purchase by local ownership ($9 million); and the opening of Wicked Warren’s ($2.3 million). In total, the CCIDA board approved 12 loans to local business totaling $4.5 million. CCIDA also continued its focus on creating a $16+ million Shovel-Ready Industrial Site in Ripley and the development of a Talent Attraction/Retention Campaign, which launched as “Live CHQ” in April of this year. CCIDA and its affiliate agencies, including CCPEG, were also rebranded through the launch of the “Choose CHQ” brand and website. Another key accomplishment for CREDC was securing more than $1.5 million in funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to extend and enhance the impact CCPEG has had on the county. The annual report also included the Top 10 economic development goals for the involved agencies. These aspirations included aggressive proactive business retention and expansion; completing the shovel-ready sites in both Ripley and Ellicott; reactivating properties of community importance, including the Furniture Mart Building in Jamestown, the former Silver Creek High School, Lakeshore Hospital in Irving, the mothballed NRG Plant in Dunkirk, and the former Truck-Lite plant in Ellicott; assisting both ImmunityBio (Dunkirk) and Electrovaya (Ellicott) to ramp up operations; and continuing to focus on implementing recommendations from the County’s Economic Development Strategy through CREDC and CCPEG. “Through all of the uncertainty posed by a dynamic political and economic climate, the CCIDA team has once again delivered on its mission of attracting new businesses while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses,” Geise said. “While we no doubt see ebbs and flows in our organization and in our local, regional, state, and federal economies, the CCIDA and Chautauqua continue to evolve toward a better future.” In addition to the CCIDA and CREDC accomplishments and goals, the 2024 Annual Report also provided an update on various projects and activities involving CCPEG. According to Nathan Aldrich, County Economic Development Coordinator and CCPEG Manager, over $2.4 million in grant funding was secured by CCPEG to assist with its effort to advance 35 different projects focusing on economic development and placemaking initiatives across the county. These projects included the completion and launch of the Live CHQ Talent Attraction and Retention initiative (pictured); the completion of a county-wide Housing Market Assessment and Development Strategy; the launch of CHQTrails.org, the Chautauqua County Interactive Trails Map; continued upgrades and remediation to the Chautauqua County Overland Trails; and the successful launch of the Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail marketing initiative. CCPEG also provided nearly $250,000 in funding to 14 different partner-led economic development projects located across the county – which helped to leverage an additional $1.6 million from other sources to ensure those projects could move forward. Those projects included: the Hartley Park Waterfront Revitalization & Improvement Project in Lakewood; Theater Seats & Auditorium Improvements at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and the Key Market Growth Project for the National Comedy Center, both in Jamestown; the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Dream It, Do It Western New York; and a Strategic Growth Master Plan in Bemus Point. “CCPEG has lived up to its mission of serving as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic development and placemaking efforts across the county,” Aldrich said. “It was gratifying to see so many of our projects cross the finish line in 2024, but thanks to renewed support from the Wilson Foundation and other funders, our work is only getting started.” “I am really proud of the work we are doing in assisting our partners, including municipalities, in undertaking transformative and meaningful projects,” Geise added. “Between the work we do at the CCIDA and through CCPEG, we have an extremely dynamic and gifted team. This has been illustrated through all the work we did in 2024, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going to help strengthen the economy in Chautauqua County in 2025 and in the years to come.” The complete Choose CHQ 2024 Annual Report, featuring information for both the CCIDA and CCPEG, is available on the Annual Report page at ChooseCHQ.com. About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information, please visit CHQPartnership.org.

New Funding Total Brings Total ARC Support for Ripley Project to $3 MillionThe following release has been posted on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission. It is in addition to a previous press release posted on September 30, 2024. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Appalachian Regional Commission has announced approval of a grant in the amount of $1,999,999 to the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) for the Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site (RISRS) project. ARC's investment will be used to construct 15,345 linear feet of access road and water, sewer, gas and communications infrastructure in the 147-acre industrial site. As a result of the project, it is estimated that 320 jobs will be created in Chautauqua County. The availability of development-ready acreage is low in the project area while demand from the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing industries is growing higher. In response, CCIDA is in the midst of a multi-phase project turning the available parcel in Ripley, NY, into a shovel-ready site. The RISRS project is expected to spur economic growth and raise the standard of living in Chautauqua County and the surrounding area (including Erie, PA) by developing strategically located land in a region characterized by high unemployment and population loss. As part of the POWER project, a 3,075 linear feet (LF) asphalt access road will be constructed, including a new left turn lane that leads into the access road. 3,090 LF of 12" water main, 3,025 LF of 12" gravity sanitary sewer, 3,115 LF of natural gas main and 3,040 LF of telephone and communication lines will be built along the access road and throughout the site. Sixty million ($60 million) in private investment from future employers is committed to the resulting industrial site. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $4,447,807, bringing the total project funding to $6,447,806. Funding for this project is provided through ARC's Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. About the Appalachian Regional Commission: The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.

Funding Will Help Create New Shovel-Ready Site Along I-90 - Creating Economic Development Opportunities in Chautauqua CountyThis release is posted on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Appalachian Regional Commission announced today approval of a grant in the amount of $1 million to the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) for the Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site (RISRS) project. ARC's investment will to be used to extend electrical service to prepare a 147-acre site for future employers. The availability of development-ready acreage is low in the project area while demand from the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing industries is growing higher. In response, CCIDA is in the midst of a multi-phase project turning the large parcel in Ripley, NY, into a shovel-ready site. The RISRS project is expected to spur economic growth and raise the standard of living in Chautauqua County by developing strategically located land in a region characterized by high unemployment and population loss. As part of the ARC-supported project, 34.5 kv electric service will be extended from the existing utility mainline and provide five megavolt-amperes (MVA) to the Ripley site. Approximately two miles (11,457 linear feet) of new tap line and sixty new structures will be constructed. Installing infrastructure like electricity will ensure the site is more attractive to developers and employers looking to expand or move to western New York, thus bringing employment opportunities and tax revenue to the region. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $2 million, bringing the total project funding to $3 million. About the Appalachian Regional Commission: The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.

Empire State Development Grant Moves Shovel-Ready Site Project ForwardRIPLEY, NY: — A key development project along the I-90 corridor in Chautauqua County is one step closer to becoming a reality after being awarded a $5.25 million grant from Empire State Development (ESD). On Thursday, Nov. 2, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a grant award for the Interstate 90 site in the Town of Ripley as part of phase two of the state’s Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program. The Ripley site was one of six sites selected to receive a share of the nearly $90 million in funding. The grant is being awarded to County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), which applied for the funding to keep progress on the Ripley Interstate 90 shovel-ready site moving forward. The state funding will allow for infrastructure improvements, including electric, gas, water, and sewer extensions, as well as creation of an access road. The project, which aims to attract light manufacturing and interstate distribution & logistics companies, consists of two phases to purchase multiple parcels and make requisite site improvements to transform 136 acres of underused land into a shovel-ready, infrastructure enabled site directly off of the I-90 interchange at Shortman Road. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $16 million. “We are overjoyed that the State recognizes not only the need for shovel-ready sites in the region, but also that this is a great location just off Interstate 90,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA Chief Executive Officer. “We have been working on this initiative for several years, and it is great to see it all coming together. The County and CCIDA have pledged their financial support for the project, and other sources of funding are being sought to meet the $16 Million price tag. Without large, shovel-ready sites, the county is missing out on opportunities for larger development projects, which this project addresses.” “Approval of this shovel-ready site is great news for not just the Town of Ripley, but also Chautauqua County and all of Western New York,” added Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “Developing a foundation for future projects, this is a continuation of our mission to maintain a strong gateway into our state and county. I’d like to recognize and thank the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency and Empire State Development for working to make this project possible.” “This is great news for the town of Ripley,” said Doug Bowen, Ripley Town Supervisor. “By having the state award this funding, it means the necessary infrastructure improvements can move forward to provide a shovel-ready site along the I-90 corridor. It will not only be a huge asset for our local economy here in Ripley, but also for the entire Chautauqua County region.” “This is great news for Ripley and all of Chautauqua County. Securing this $5.25 million FAST NY grant is a testament to the hard work and planning by the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency and the Town of Ripley. Creating this shovel-ready gateway along 1-90 in Ripley will pave the way for private investment and lead to future projects as we continue to revitalize our community. I want to thank Gov. Hochul and Empire State Development for recognizing the need to support communities in Western New York as they reinvent themselves and build a brighter future for everyone,” said State Senator George Borrello. In May of this year, the CCIDA Board approved the purchase of land in the first phase of the project, which entails acquiring four parcels of property totaling 64 acres for $2,892,000, based on an appraisal. The second phase will involve purchasing additional properties to bring the overall total land acquired to 136 acres.  About CCIDA – The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. They facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses.  For more information visit www.CCIDA.com.