The CCIDA is Making Chautauqua County Shovel-Ready

Two shovel-ready development projects are underway with a goal of being completed in 2026

CHAUTAUQUA 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.