(WNY News Now) – Ripley – A $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission aims to transform a 147-acre site in Ripley, NY, into a shovel-ready industrial park, boosting local employment opportunities.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced today the approval of a $1 million grant to the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) for the Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site (RISRS) project. This strategic investment aims to extend electrical service to prepare the 147-acre site for future employers, addressing the growing demand for development-ready land in the region.
As the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries continue to expand, the availability of suitable acreage in Chautauqua County has become increasingly limited. In response to this urgent need, CCIDA is embarking on a multi-phase initiative to transform the Ripley parcel into a shovel-ready site. The RISRS project is expected to significantly stimulate economic growth and elevate the standard of living in an area marked by high unemployment and population decline.
The ARC-funded project will extend 34.5 kilovolt (kv) electric service from the existing utility mainline, providing five megavolt-amperes (MVA) to the Ripley site. This infrastructure upgrade includes the construction of approximately two miles (11,457 linear feet) of new tap line and sixty new utility structures. By installing essential services like electricity, the site will become more attractive to potential developers and employers considering relocation or expansion in western New York.
In addition to the ARC funding, local sources will contribute $2 million, bringing the total project funding to $3 million. This combined financial support underscores the collaborative effort between state and federal entities to revitalize the Chautauqua County economy.
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