New Travel Center Coming to the Gateway of New York State

First Love’s Travel Stop in Chautauqua County

TOWN OF RIPLEY, N.Y.:–   At its monthly board meeting today, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of providing tax incentives for Love’s Travel Stop and Country Stores, Inc. The project involves construction of a state-of-the art, 22,000 square foot travel center on a 16-acre parcel located at 6201 and 6151 Shortman Road in the Town of Ripley. The travel center will include a convenience store, fueling islands, restaurant, repair center, and related services. 

“This is a great project for the Town of Ripley, the region, and the state,” said Mark Geise, Chief Executive Officer for the CCIDA. “This area has been crying out for a project like this, as it replaces the dilapidated Colonial Hotel at the Gateway to our beautiful county and state. In addition to the dozens of jobs this facility will create, Love’s will be paying taxes, and the Community Host Agreement will provide the Town of Ripley with the resources it needs to make upgrades to its water and sewer infrastructure. I welcome the Love’s family to our region.”

“The Love’s project is a strong step for the Town of Ripley’s economic development commercial corridor,” stated Doug Bowen, Ripley Town Supervisor. “The Host Community Agreement benefiting Ripley’s municipal water and sewer development is greatly appreciated.”

Love’s will provide services not otherwise available in the area and will attract customers from within and outside of the region.  Its estimated $12 million investment for this project is anticipated to net over $30 Million in combined regional and New York State economic benefits over the life of the PILOT.

Rick Shuffield, Vice President of Real Estate & Development for Love’s, commented, “Love’s is very excited about the opportunity to put a new travel center at the gateway to New York State.  The CCIDA played a key role in why we were able to proceed with the development, and we look forward to being part of the local community.”

The new facility, which is expected to break ground in April of 2021 and be completed by the end of 2021, will create approximately 100 temporary construction jobs and more than 40 new permanent jobs. 

County Executive PJ Wendel said, “My hope is that this project will open up this area to future development that fits into the fabric of our County and region. I know the CCIDA has been working closely with Love’s and the Town of Ripley to develop a project that benefits all parties, and for that I am grateful.”

Love’s was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. With over 530 locations in 41 states, they employ more than 28,000 employees nationwide.

About the CCIDA – The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, visit, and conduct business. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses.  For addition information about the CCIDA, please visit its website at www.ccida.com.

Any comments or questions regarding this announcement should be addressed to Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/CCIDA Chief Executive Officer, Mark Geise, at geisem@co.chautauqua.ny.us.