Appalachian Regional Commission

New Funding Total Brings Total ARC Support for Ripley Project to $3 MillionThe following release has been posted on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission. It is in addition to a previous press release posted on September 30, 2024. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Appalachian Regional Commission has announced approval of a grant in the amount of $1,999,999 to the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) for the Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site (RISRS) project. ARC's investment will be used to construct 15,345 linear feet of access road and water, sewer, gas and communications infrastructure in the 147-acre industrial site. As a result of the project, it is estimated that 320 jobs will be created in Chautauqua County. The availability of development-ready acreage is low in the project area while demand from the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing industries is growing higher. In response, CCIDA is in the midst of a multi-phase project turning the available parcel in Ripley, NY, into a shovel-ready site. The RISRS project is expected to spur economic growth and raise the standard of living in Chautauqua County and the surrounding area (including Erie, PA) by developing strategically located land in a region characterized by high unemployment and population loss. As part of the POWER project, a 3,075 linear feet (LF) asphalt access road will be constructed, including a new left turn lane that leads into the access road. 3,090 LF of 12" water main, 3,025 LF of 12" gravity sanitary sewer, 3,115 LF of natural gas main and 3,040 LF of telephone and communication lines will be built along the access road and throughout the site. Sixty million ($60 million) in private investment from future employers is committed to the resulting industrial site. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $4,447,807, bringing the total project funding to $6,447,806. Funding for this project is provided through ARC's Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. About the Appalachian Regional Commission: The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.

Funding Will Help Create New Shovel-Ready Site Along I-90 - Creating Economic Development Opportunities in Chautauqua CountyThis release is posted on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Appalachian Regional Commission announced today approval of a grant in the amount of $1 million to the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) for the Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site (RISRS) project. ARC's investment will to be used to extend electrical service to prepare a 147-acre site for future employers. The availability of development-ready acreage is low in the project area while demand from the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing industries is growing higher. In response, CCIDA is in the midst of a multi-phase project turning the large parcel in Ripley, NY, into a shovel-ready site. The RISRS project is expected to spur economic growth and raise the standard of living in Chautauqua County by developing strategically located land in a region characterized by high unemployment and population loss. As part of the ARC-supported project, 34.5 kv electric service will be extended from the existing utility mainline and provide five megavolt-amperes (MVA) to the Ripley site. Approximately two miles (11,457 linear feet) of new tap line and sixty new structures will be constructed. Installing infrastructure like electricity will ensure the site is more attractive to developers and employers looking to expand or move to western New York, thus bringing employment opportunities and tax revenue to the region. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $2 million, bringing the total project funding to $3 million. About the Appalachian Regional Commission: The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.