More than $51 million has been allocated to five projects across Upstate New York through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The FAST NY initiative aims to prepare sites for high-growth industries and attract large employers by supporting infrastructure improvements that make locations ready for immediate development.
The program is administered by Empire State Development and focuses on diversifying the state’s economy by encouraging new investments and job creation. Since its start, FAST NY has distributed over $283 million to 34 sites in Upstate New York. Governor Hochul also secured an additional $100 million for the program in the FY26 enacted budget.
Governor Hochul stated, “Through FAST NY, we’re able to promote manufacturing and bring in good-paying jobs to communities throughout New York State. Companies like Micron, Edwards Vacuum, Chobani and fairlife want to come to New York because we have the hardest working individuals, and having shovel-ready sites makes New York State an international competitor for world-class companies to expand their operations here.”
The latest round of awards includes:
– Oneida County: $32.36 million will fund utility infrastructure work at the Triangle Site located at Griffiss International Airport in Rome. The project will improve roadways, water, sewer, gas capacity, and general site conditions. These upgrades are expected to support current tenants such as Chobani and allow further development on adjacent land.
– Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development: $9.8 million will go toward infrastructure improvements at the Northeast Area for Technology (NEAT) site in Monroe County’s Town of Webster. Planned upgrades include road reconstruction, multimodal connections, sanitary sewer expansion, and electrical master planning—facilitating redevelopment of former brownfield property into advanced manufacturing space.
– Oswego County Industrial Development Agency: $8.1 million is designated for utility work at L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park in Schroeppel. Improvements include road extensions and a new electrical substation with expanded utilities serving 25 acres immediately plus another 135 acres available for future growth near Micron’s facilities.
– Broome County Industrial Development Agency: $500,000 will support pre-development activities at Broome Technology Park in Union town including utility design studies focused on sustainability aspects such as energy use and waste management.
– Greene County: $400,000 is allocated for advancing shovel-readiness at Hudson River Commerce Park in Catskill through engineering studies aimed at expediting site preparation.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “With Governor Hochul’s support, New York State continues to build for the future by partnering with local agencies to create and grow the number of shovel-ready sites throughout Upstate New York. By investing in the infrastructure that supports high-tech industries, we are building an ecosystem that promotes sustainable economic growth and helps to create good paying jobs for New Yorkers.”
These grants reflect ongoing efforts by state leaders to position Upstate communities as attractive destinations for major employers seeking ready-to-develop industrial properties.
