More than $43 million has been allocated to five projects across Upstate New York through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The initiative aims to upgrade sites for industrial use and make them more attractive to high-growth industries, especially advanced manufacturing.
The FAST NY program is managed by Empire State Development and supports site improvements intended to foster new business investment and job creation. Since its start, the program has distributed over $326 million in grants to 39 locations throughout Upstate New York. Governor Hochul also secured an additional $100 million for FAST NY in the FY2026 Executive Budget.
“Through FAST NY, we are effectively promoting manufacturing and bringing good-paying jobs to communities across Upstate New York,” said Governor Hochul. “Leading companies are choosing to come to New York because of our top-tier workforce, and the added attraction of plentiful shovel-ready sites makes our state a destination for world-class businesses seeking to expand their operations here.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented, “New York State is actively building its future with the full and focused support of Governor Hochul and in partnership with local agencies. We are developing even more shovel-ready sites throughout Upstate New York, investing in the infrastructure needed for high-tech industries to create a strong economic ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and good-paying jobs for New Yorkers.”
Among this round’s recipients is the Village of Maybrook in Orange County, which will receive $25.48 million for infrastructure improvements at the Maybrook Rail Yard. The upgrades will provide six building-pad sites accessible by rail and are expected to attract strategic industries.
Fulton County Industrial Development Agency was awarded $8.99 million for upgrades at Tryon Technology Park in Perth. Improvements include water system upgrades and demolition work that will prepare the site for up to four large buildings suitable for manufacturing companies.
Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency received $7.9 million for enhancements at Central New York Business Center in Frankfort. The project includes gas main upgrades, construction of a water tank, road improvements, utility extensions, and other work designed to attract advanced manufacturers.
Advance Albany County Alliance Local Development Corporation will use a $500,000 grant for pre-development work at Al Tech Advanced Manufacturing Campus. This funding will go toward engineering planning, environmental surveys, utility assessments, site preparation plans, and substation design coordination.
Erie County also received $500,000 for pre-development engineering services aimed at improving sewer and wastewater capacity along the Elma corridor. The project is expected to double wastewater capacity in the area and support industrial growth.
These awards reflect ongoing efforts by state officials to strengthen economic development infrastructure across Upstate New York.
