Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has approved economic development awards aimed at generating nearly $267 million in private capital investments. The NYPA Board of Trustees approved these awards, which include a low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation for Upstate Niagara and almost $12 million in Power Proceeds funding to four organizations across Western and Northern New York.
Governor Hochul stated, “The Power Authority’s economic development awards are a dynamic engine that stimulates growth across New York State, fueled by the availability of NYPA’s low-cost power. Through a variety of programs, the Power Authority is driving job creation, encouraging capital investments and supporting the maintenance and enhancement of important cultural institutions. The awards approved at today’s NYPA board meeting will enrich local communities by leveraging New York’s abundant hydropower resources.”
Upstate Niagara, a dairy cooperative consisting of around 260 farms in New York State, received an allocation of nearly 4.2 megawatts of low-cost Niagara hydropower. This will support a $215 million expansion project at its West Seneca facility, increasing manufacturing and storage capacity for products such as yogurt and cottage cheese. The expansion is expected to create 125 jobs locally and boost employment among dairy farm workers statewide.
John R. Koelmel, Chairman of NYPA, commented on the impact: “The low-cost hydropower allocation to Upstate Niagara will create 125 jobs and bolster New York’s dairy industry, which is the cornerstone of our state’s agricultural economy. The impact of Niagara hydropower allocations extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries, supporting vital sectors and strengthening communities across the region.”
The NYPA board also allocated three grants through the Western New York Power Proceeds program:
– Shea’s Performing Arts Center was awarded $7.5 million for renovations at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre to improve accessibility and expand capacity.
– Over $2.3 million went to support redevelopment efforts at Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo by funding construction for new multi-use facilities.
– The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences received $562,000 for a new interactive exhibit on sports science at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Justin E. Driscoll, President and CEO of NYPA said: “The $7.5 million Power Proceeds funding award to Shea’s reflects the Power Authority’s support for Western New York cultural institutions. The renovation and improvement project will enhance the theater’s accessibility and capacity, ensuring that Shea’s remains a dynamic hub for the performing arts. Investments like these not only preserve our cultural heritage but also stimulate economic growth and enrich the community.”
In Northern New York, Vecino Group New York was granted $1.5 million to develop an Innovation Center as part of Midtown Plaza redevelopment in Canton—a project expected to create 150 jobs over five years.
NYPA Trustee Cecily L. Morris remarked: “The development of the Innovation Center in Canton, supported by $1.5 million in NYPA Power Proceeds funding, is an important project that will drive economic growth and job creation in the North Country. Facilities like this are vital for fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring that our region remains competitive in New York’s dynamic economy.”
These awards are funded through proceeds from unused hydropower generated by NYPA facilities under legislation enacted in 2012 and 2014.
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said: “We here in Western New York are greatly appreciative of this incredible investment to our region through NYPA. Supporting the ongoing renovations to Buffalo’s premier performing arts center is a big deal. But I want to highlight the funding for the Buffalo Museum of Science and the funding going towards the creation of an exhibit focused on sports science. We are a sports-crazy town and this exhibit will open eyes, hopefully of our young people, to a different side of sports. Thank you to Governor Hochul and NYPA for these investments.”
State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan added: “NYPA’s low-cost hydropower allocations are a significant part of the state’s economic development efforts for both businesses and cultural institutions. The award to Upstate Niagara supports the cooperative’s aggressive expansion plans in West Seneca, helps secure hundreds of existing jobs, and will lead to the creation of 125 new positions. The continued growth of Upstate Niagara further supports New York’s dairy farmers and others who work in the agriculture industry.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said: “The monumental capital investments unveiled today demonstrate how New York’s public power can be leveraged to strengthen our economy while improving the quality of life in our communities. By supporting local employers and driving forward transformative projects such as the Ralph C. Wilson Park redevelopment, we are creating good-paying jobs, sustaining family farms, and building public spaces that will serve Western New Yorkers for generations to come.”
NYPA operates multiple generating facilities across more than 1,550 miles with most electricity produced coming from renewable sources such as hydropower.
