New York State is gearing up for a tech manufacturing boom, courtesy of Governor Kathy Hochul's recent announcement. A hefty $32.6 million in FAST NY grants has been doled out to make seven locations more attractive to high-tech manufacturers. The Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program, managed by Empire State Development, is no stranger to the game – since its inception, it's distributed nearly $233 million to make 32 sites across Upstate New York business-ready. And, according to a statement from the Governor's office, there's an extra $100 million proposed in the 2026 Executive Budget to keep this gravy train rolling.
"FAST NY is a valuable tool that attracts strategic industries that invest in our communities and bring good paying jobs to New York State," Governor Hochul explained. From high-voltage substations at Albany's Beacon Island, to shovel-ready advancements at Hamburg's Crossroads site, these grants are expected to turn former underused areas into hubs of economic activity and job creation, like a moth to a flame, they're banking on the idea that having prepared plots of land is irresistible to businesses looking to grow.
Empire State Development leader Hope Knight highlighted the initiative's role in amplifying New York's attractiveness to cutting-edge industries. By expediting the development process, Knight suggests that these sites hold the potential to jumpstart projects and stimulate regional economies. From the expansion of a water infrastructure down at Clifton Park's Synergy Technology Park to the environmental studies paving the way for developments at Wayne County's Lyons Industrial Park, each investment targets a specific bottleneck to unlock these sites' full potential.
Whether it's agribusinesses in Erie or industrial machinery manufacturing in Clifton Park, the reach of FAST NY is comprehensive. Each grant, some for infrastructure improvements, like the $11.5 million for Buffalo and Erie County Land Development Corporation, and others for pre-development activities, such as the $250,000 for the Hamburg Development Corporation, is a calculated move to position New York as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing – aiming to bring jobs and robust economic contributions to their respective regions.
The full list of this round's beneficiaries serves as a who's who of upcoming New York State development hotspots. With everything from the Johnstown Commerce Park's site analysis to the Roseton Development site's potential as a nexus for the offshore wind supply chain, it's clear that the Empire State is pulling out all the stops. Future rounds of FAST NY funding, as proposed by Governor Hochul, could further cement this ongoing effort to drive growth in diverse industries across the state. Of course, for more details or for companies interested in jumping on this bandwagon, visiting the Empire State Development's website is the next logical move.
