Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 19 that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has approved economic development awards expected to drive more than $104 million in private capital investment and support 287 jobs in Western New York and the North Country. The NYPA Board of Trustees approved these awards, which include low-cost power allocations through the regional Western New York Hydropower program, as well as over $10 million in funding under the Western New York and Northern New York Power Proceeds programs.
The announcement highlights efforts to use affordable hydropower as a tool for job creation and regional growth. “Affordable, reliable and emission free hydropower is one of New York’s greatest economic assets,” Governor Hochul said. “Through NYPA, New York is leveraging low-cost hydropower to incentivize major capital investments and deliver well-paying jobs for New Yorkers. The awards approved today by the NYPA board will support more than $104 million in new investments and support hundreds of jobs, strengthening New York’s clean energy economy.”
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “NYPA low-cost hydropower allocations and targeted funding awards remain a key driver of regional economic development. The awards approved today by the NYPA board will help businesses expand, retain jobs and invest in their future while supporting the long-term vitality of communities across Western New York and the North Country.” At its meeting, the board allocated 2,200 kilowatts of Niagara hydropower to Erie County firms Bericap (1,540 kW) for a manufacturing facility expansion creating 40 new positions, and Agile Cold Storage (660 kW) for building a warehouse projected to create 44 jobs.
Other recipients include Buffalo Go Green—a nonprofit awarded $218,000 for renovating a facility into a hydroponic farm with community education space—and The Buffalo History Museum’s Reinstein Center project with $1.85 million toward rehabilitation work that expands programming capacity. Family-owned Kreher Family Farms received $6.4 million for an egg processing facility intended to bolster food supply resilience.
In Northern New York, North Country Dairy was awarded $1 million for wastewater system upgrades supporting job retention at its plant; Twin Rivers Paper Company received another $1 million to acquire assets from Potsdam Specialty Papers—an effort aimed at preserving local manufacturing employment.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight said: “These awards demonstrate the power of a coordinated state strategy that prioritizes regional growth…we are providing a comprehensive support system that empowers businesses to expand and historic institutions to flourish.” Other elected officials also voiced support for projects benefiting workforce training opportunities, food access initiatives such as Buffalo Go Green’s farm renovation project on Buffalo’s east side, cultural preservation at The Buffalo History Museum, advanced manufacturing expansions like Bericap’s Cheektowaga site upgrade—and broader clean energy transitions statewide.
