More than $51 million in grants has been awarded to five projects across Upstate New York through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) program, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The initiative aims to prepare sites for development and make the state more attractive to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. Administered by Empire State Development, FAST NY supports site improvements that encourage business growth and job creation. Since it began, the program has distributed over $283 million to 34 sites in Upstate New York. An additional $100 million was secured in the FY26 Budget to expand the program.
“Through FAST NY, we’re able to promote manufacturing and bring in good-paying jobs to communities throughout New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “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 sixth round of awards includes:
– Oneida County: $32.36 million will fund infrastructure work at the Triangle Site at Griffiss International Airport on the Griffiss Business & Technology Park Steven J. DiMeo Campus in Rome. Improvements include roadway upgrades and increased utility capacity, supporting current and future developments such as Chobani’s expansion.
– Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development, Inc.: $9.8 million will be used for roadwork, sewer upgrades, and electrical planning at the Northeast Area for Technology (NEAT) site in Webster, Monroe County. The upgrades are intended to transform a former brownfield property into space suitable for advanced manufacturing.
– Oswego County Industrial Development Agency: $8.1 million is allocated for utility infrastructure at the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park in Schroeppel. The improvements are designed to support businesses related to semiconductor supply chains.
– Broome County Industrial Development Agency: $500,000 will help expand pre-development work at Broome Technology Park in Union, including sustainability planning and utility design.
– Greene County: $400,000 is awarded for pre-development studies at Hudson River Commerce Park in Catskill aimed at advancing shovel-readiness.
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.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. commented on Chobani’s decision: “Being able to look to FAST NY enabled Oneida County to confidently offer Chobani a shovel ready side, which we know was a critical consideration in selecting Rome for its $1 billion expansion, and now the Triangle site can be fully developed in the future. The Chobani project alone represents one of the largest private investments in our county’s history and will have a profound impact on our workforce and economy for generations to come. Oneida County’s efforts over the last four years paved the way for non-aeronautical development at Griffiss’ Triangle site and we are proud to partner in making this transformative opportunity a reality.”
MVREDC Co-Chair Larry Gilroy said, “The region and the state worked hard to earn Chobani’s confidence, yet action speaks louder than words: already the approval process is quickly advancing, and NYS has again shown its commitment with Governor Hochul’s announcement of FAST NY funding of $32.6 million for infrastructure that will make this Billion Dollar project a reality.”
MV EDGE President Shawna Papale added,“Governor Hochul’s commitment to economic development has driven significant growth in the Mohawk Valley. Her leadership was pivotal in securing Chobani’s $1.2 billion facility in Rome, which began construction in April. Strategic investments, including $51 million in FAST NY grants, have supported critical infrastructure and job creation. These efforts are positioning the region as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing and agribusiness.”
New York State Economic Development Council Executive Director Ryan M. Silva said,“The NYSEDC is proud to have worked alongside our partners in state government on the creation and implementation of the FAST NY Program. I commend Governor Hochul for approving these investments into essential projects across the state. It is critical to strengthen New York’s infrastructure to bolster business, attract new investment,and protect the environment,and these investments announced today will do just that.”
Chobani Chief Impact Officer Nishant Roy stated,“Chobani is New York made and with this investment in Rome,we’re building an ecosystem of farmers ,partners ,and communities that will drive the natural food movement forward in the United States .This was an easy investmentto make because ofthe leadershipof Governor Hochul ,OneidaCounty ,andthe local community ,and becauseoftheregion’s rich historyof innovationand resilience .”
State Senator Sean Ryan said,”FAST NY isthe kindof smart investmentthat strengthens our economy forthe long term .By preparing shovel-ready sites across UpstateNewYork ,we’re attracting high-tech manufacturersand other growing industries thatwill create stable,family-sustaining jobs.”
The FAST NY program was first announcedin February 2022withan initial commitmentof$200million .GovernorHochol subsequentlysecuredanother$100millionforFASTNYintheFY25andFY26StateBudgets .
Grants under this program support pre-development activitiesand infrastructureimprovementsfor sitesthat could attracthigh-techmanufacturing ,semiconductors ,clean-energy,lifesciences,andotherindustries.For more details or informationon applyingforagrantsitevisit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.
