By Tiffany Williams –
In a significant step towards enhancing New York’s economic landscape, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday the allocation of $32.6 million to elevate seven strategic locations through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program, overseen by Empire State Development.
Originally unveiled by the Governor in February 2022, the FAST NY initiative aims to prepare and develop sites throughout the state to boost New York’s shovel-readiness and enhance its appeal to large employers and high-tech manufacturing firms. Since its inception, the program has successfully distributed nearly $233 million across 32 sites statewide, invigorating regions throughout Upstate New York. As a testament to its effectiveness, Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $100 million for this transformative program in her 2026 Executive Budget.
The latest recipients of these vital funds include:
Albany Port District Commission (Capital Region) – $18.79 million:
This ambitious project at the 85-acre Beacon Island expansion site within the Port of Albany is geared towards significant improvements in utility infrastructure. It will encompass the installation of a high-voltage substation, a state-of-the-art sanitary wastewater treatment facility, and essential intake lines coupled with a pump station for fire protection.
Furthermore, it will facilitate the completion of earthwork at the site. The fully graded 85-acre parcel, with direct access to robust 115Kv power lines and the navigable Hudson River, stands as a remarkable asset for manufacturers dealing in large-scale components.
Buffalo and Erie County Land Development Corporation (Western New York) – $11.5 million:
This infrastructure enhancement initiative at the erstwhile Evans-Angola Airport seeks to establish the Erie County Agribusiness Park. The funding will be channelled into utility infrastructure upgrades, which include improvements to roadways and sewer systems, as well as extensions for power and gas transmission, and the development of a new substation. After being non-operational for over 25 years, the transformation of this site into a thriving agribusiness hub is aimed at attracting food and agricultural processing enterprises, thereby expanding market opportunities for local farming communities.
Town of Clifton Park (Capital Region) – $1 million:
Targeted at the Synergy Technology Park, this project focuses on extending the site’s water infrastructure through the installation of a secondary water line. This enhancement will bolster the site’s capacity and facilitate future development and expansion geared towards industrial, manufacturing, and distribution activities.
Orange County Industrial Development Agency (Mid-Hudson) – $500,000:
This pre-development initiative at the Roseton Development site earmarks funds for vital environmental studies, including a comprehensive Generic Environmental Impact Statement and a State Environmental Quality Review, along with necessary engineering and site design work. Positioned with unique advantages like direct access to existing power transmission, rail, and heavy infrastructure, as well as proximity to the Hudson River, this site is poised to attract companies in the growing offshore wind supply chain.
Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (Mohawk Valley) – $434,700:
Focused on advancing a pre-development project, this funding will support crucial engineering studies that assess infrastructure development costs at the Johnstown Commerce Park. This site, located directly opposite the currently saturated Johnstown Industrial Park, aims to initiate five substantial industrial projects that could create approximately 200 new jobs, enhancing local employment opportunities.
Hamburg Development Corporation (Western New York) – $250,000:
This initiative will facilitate the pre-development of the Crossroads site, allowing for pivotal environmental impact and traffic studies. Situated adjacent to the former Ford stamping plant, this industrially-zoned location boasts immediate access to key utilities, including water, sewer, natural gas, and power lines. Streamlining the pre-permitting process here will expedite development and enhance market responsiveness for advanced manufacturing ventures.
Wayne County Industrial Development Agency (Finger Lakes) – $100,000:
This pre-development project aims to conduct extensive studies on water and sewer treatment and delivery infrastructure, concentrating on Lyons Industrial Park and other industrial parks along the Route 31 corridor that stretches across the southern part of the county. Recent feasibility studies have highlighted these regions as ripe for future industrial undertakings.
Governor Hochul’s proposal this year for an additional $100 million in the FY26 Executive Budget reiterates the state’s commitment to bolstering its economy through the FAST NY program. By generating new investments for businesses and communities, this initiative not only diversifies New York State’s economic portfolio but also creates new job opportunities. Last year, the Governor successfully secured an additional $100 million in funding for the FAST NY program through the FY25 State Budget, reinforcing the state’s proactive approach to economic growth.
FAST NY grants are designated for pre-development activities and critical infrastructure investments, aimed at cultivating sites that can draw a variety of eligible industries, including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, and agribusiness.