Governor Hochul Announces More Than $16.89 Million in FAST NY Grants Awarded to Two  Projects in the Mohawk Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that $16.89 million has been awarded to upgrade two sites in the Mohawk Valley for competitive industry use under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program. FAST NY 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, helps to diversify New York State’s economy by supporting site improvements that encourage new investments to grow businesses and create jobs. Since its inception, FAST NY has awarded more than $326 million to 39 sites located throughout Upstate New York. Governor Hochul secured an additional $100 million in the FY2026 Executive Budget to expand the FAST NY program and build on its successes.

“Through FAST NY, we are effectively promoting manufacturing and bringing good-paying jobs to communities across Upstate New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Leading companies are choosing to come to New York because of our top-tier workforce, and the added attraction of plentiful shovel-ready sites makes our state a destination for world-class businesses seeking to expand their operations here.”

Round 7 Mohawk Valley Awardees:

Fulton County Industrial Development Agency – $8.99 million

This infrastructure improvement project will allow for adaptive reuse and revitalization of Tryon Technology Park, a former NYS Juvenile Correctional Facility in Perth. Funding for this project will be used for upgrades to the water pump station and mains, upgrades to the wastewater pumps and force mains, demolition and earthwork. The project will prepare the 220-acre site for further development of up to four buildings ranging in size from 150,000 to 1.3 million square feet for manufacturing companies looking to locate in the area. Infrastructure upgrades included in this project will allow the Tryon Technology Park to tap into abundant water and wastewater capacities, making this site uniquely positioned to attract strategic agribusiness, food processing, and life science investment.

Ronald Peters, President & CEO of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth said, “I am pleased to see the state’s support for this important project. Our team has worked closely with the County Industrial Development Agency and project partners to advance the redevelopment of Tryon Technology Park, and this award represents a significant step forward for our region. This investment reflects the state’s confidence in Fulton County’s potential for growth, and it will help position the park to meet the evolving needs of companies looking to expand in upstate New York. We are grateful to our state partners, especially those in Empire State Development, for their continued commitment and partnership.”

Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency – $7.9 million

This infrastructure improvement project will allow for key infrastructure upgrades needed at the Central New York Business Center to offer a shovel-ready industrial site for advanced manufacturing. Funds will be used to upgrade 2,000 feet of the Higby Road gas main, construction of an onsite water tank for fire protection, new turn lanes and traffic signals, plus demolition, grading, stormwater, and utility extensions. The site offers access to two million gallons per day in excess water capacity and 2.6 million gallons per day in excess wastewater capacity available in the district. Central New York Business Center is strategically located in the Town of Frankfort, near major highways and other industrial development and, once complete, it will deliver an industry-ready site that will attract advanced manufacturers, create jobs, and expand New York’s manufacturing economy.

Herkimer County Chairman Peter J. Campione said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for this significant investment in the Central New York Business Center. This funding will allow us to complete essential infrastructure upgrades that prepare the site for advanced manufacturing, drive job creation, and strengthen the region’s economic future. We appreciate the Governor’s continued support and commitment to growing New York’s manufacturing economy.”

First announced in February 2022, FAST NY helps to diversify New York State’s economy while generating new investments for businesses, communities and job creation. Following an initial commitment of $200 million, Governor Hochul subsequently secured an additional $100 million for FAST NY in both the FY25 and FY26 State Budgets for a total of $400 million. FAST NY has attracted or expanded the presence in New York State for companies such as fairlife, Chobani, Edwards Vacuum, Siemens Mobility and Oxbo. These companies will invest over $2.2 billion and create nearly 3,000 jobs.

FAST NY grants are awarded 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. For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.