Tag: genesee county

Semiconductor support manufacturer bringing 600 jobs to Genesee County

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said the CHIPS and Science Act helped lure Edwards Vacuum's new $319 million facility to Genesee County
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said the CHIPS and Science Act helped lure Edwards Vacuum’s new $319 million facility to Genesee County (provided photo).

A British-based manufacturer specializing in vacuum and abatement equipment for the semiconductor industry will build a $319 million facility in Genesee County, bringing 600 jobs to the area.

Edwards Vacuum, a subsidiary of the Atlas Copco Group of Sweden, will use the facility to produce dry pump technology, a critical component to controlling the highly sensitive environment within the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Plans include construction of a 240,000-square-foot campus on the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama. The plant is expected to open in late 2024, the company said.

“This major investment from Edwards Vacuum builds on our momentum to secure New York as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release.  “On the heels of Micron’s $100 billion commitment to Central New York, as well as New York’s Green CHIPS legislation and the federal CHIPS and Science Act, we are better positioned than ever to make New York a global hub for advanced manufacturing and attract the jobs of the future.”

Edwards Vacuum said it will provide internal training and education, and that it is committed to recruiting entry-level employees from disadvantaged communities and partnering with existing community-based recruitment and training programs to provide both soft skills and technical skills for individuals.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) courted Edwards Vacuum, urging company president Geert Follens to select the STAMP site for the new facility.

“The CHIPS And Science Act delivers for Upstate New York again,” Schumer said. adding that Edwards will be “supercharging our semiconductor supply chain at Western New York’s STAMP site.

“We are now seeing energy flow into Upstate’s manufacturing sector like never before, and this investment will further cement that the future of microchips will be built with American made products, crafted by New York workers.”

The agreement with Edwards Vacuum through Empire State Development includes $21 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits, Investment Tax Credits and $1 million to support workforce development and the training of a diverse and inclusive workforce in exchange for the 600 full-time jobs.

Edwards Vacuum is expected to receive property, sales and mortgage tax incentives from the Genesee County Economic Development Center to support the largest workforce and capital investment proposed by any company at a GCEDC-developed site.

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Liberty Pumps breaks ground on Bergen expansion

Liberty Pumps broke ground on a $13.5 million expansion in Bergen. (photo provided)

Liberty Pumps has broken ground on a $13.5 million expansion in Bergen, Genesee County. The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) joined state and local partners at the site Wednesday to mark the occasion.

The new Materials Center is a 107,000-square-foot expansion and is expected to support 30 additional jobs at the family- and employee-owned manufacturer.

“We’re excited to begin another project that will benefit our approximately 300 employees, and add to our presence in Genesee County,” said Liberty Pumps CEO and Chairman Charlie Cook, “This project will relieve congestion in our current structure and free up much-needed manufacturing space for large pump systems. That’s become a significant part of our business, and we’re pleased to better support our customers with this addition.”

The addition to Liberty Pumps’ facilities at 7000 Apple Tree Ave. continues the company’s growth in Genesee County. Since opening in 1965, Liberty Pumps has become a leading manufacturer of sump, effluent and sewage pumps and systems for residential, commercial, municipal and industrial applications.

This is the third expansion by Liberty Pumps since 2000 at Apple Tree Acres, a 185-acre business park developed by the GCEDC. Upon completion, Liberty Pumps will have roughly 350,000 square feet of facilities at the site.

“With each expansion and investment, Liberty Pumps has shown a path to grow our economy, reward our talented workforce, and support our community,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “We’re excited that another milestone is fast approaching. This groundbreaking celebration is just the start of more great activity in Bergen and at Apple Tree Acres. We thank Liberty Pumps for leading the way.”

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Plug Power breaks ground on $290 million facility in Genesee County

Plug Power Inc., the Albany area manufacturer of clean energy processes, broke ground on Wednesday on its $290 million green hydrogen fuel production facility at the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in Genesee County.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, middle, with local and state leaders breaking ground on Plug Power Inc.’s $290 million facility at STAMP. (provided)

Gov. Kathy Hochul joined other dignitaries at the town of Alabama megasite today.

“This groundbreaking is incredibly significant for the economies of the Finger Lakes and Western New York, providing new jobs and establishing the region as a prime destination for large manufacturers moving forward,” Hochul said. “Plug Power’s new facility will be the largest plant in North America producing green hydrogen, advancing our ambitious green energy goals as we work toward a cleaner future.”

Plug Power is the first tenant at the manufacturing park and also will fund the construction of a 450-megawatt electricity substation that will support its hydrogen projection facility and future growth opportunities at STAMP. As North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility, the plant will produce 45 metric tons of green liquid hydrogen daily servicing the Northeast region.

When fully built, the facility will offer the company’s transportation fuel customers pricing competitive to diesel, leading the way to decarbonizing freight transportation and logistics supporting New York’s path to achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the company has committed to creating up to 68 new jobs.

“Plug Power is proud to be the leaders building the green hydrogen economy, creating jobs right here in our home state of New York,” Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said. “By 2025, our cross-continental green hydrogen network aims to supply 500 tons per day, and 1,000 tons per day globally by 2028. We thank our elected officials and partners for their leadership.”

The siting of the manufacturing park, and Plug Power’s decision to locate there, was driven primarily by access to low-cost hydropower from the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project less than 30 miles away. The Power Authority is supporting the Plug Power project with the following incentives:

• A 10-megawatt allocation of low-cost hydropower from the Niagara Power Project.
• $1.5 million from the Western New York Power Proceeds program.
• 143 MW of High-Load Factor power that NYPA will procure for Plug Power on the energy market, drastically lowering electric bills through a reduction in electricity delivery charges.

Empire State Development also is supporting the project with up to $2 million in Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for job creation commitments. Genesee County will provide assistance for the transformative project. Greater Rochester Enterprise Inc. also assisted Plug Power with the project.

“Bringing Plug Power to STAMP demonstrates that our 1,250-acre campus can be a destination for advanced large-scale manufacturing companies such as semi-conductor and renewables manufacturing facilities with continued infrastructure investment from New York State,” said Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center president and CEO. “We are confident that Gov. Hochul recognizes the importance of this investment approach in her efforts. Her vision for a sustainable green energy economy for upstate to provide family-sustaining jobs is key to revitalizing our communities now and in the future.”

The Plug Power expansion is part of a focused strategy to construct up to seven hydrogen production facilities across North America by 2022. In January, Plug Power announced that it would be establishing a $125 million Innovation Center in Henrietta, creating 377 new jobs. That facility will manufacture hydrogen fuel cell stacks for its ProGen hydrogen fuel cell engines used to power a variety of electric vehicles, including material handling equipment, on-road commercial fleet vehicles, and drones.

The company also operates a facility in Rochester’s Eastman Business Park and maintains its headquarters in the Capital Region.

“We have worked very hard to bring forward a site suitable for a project of this scale and we look forward to achieving the important steps to develop and advance this project in our community,” said Alabama Town Supervisor Robert Crossen. “This milestone advances the development of the STAMP site, and thanks to Plug Power, Gov. Hochul and Genesee County for making this plan come to fruition. Our town is proud to have worked with our partners to make this project a success and we look forward to more activity at STAMP.”

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Four EV charging stations added at Batavia businesses

The city of Batavia last week marked the installation of four new electric vehicle charging stations. City officials were joined by community leaders and representatives of National Grid to commemorate the installation that was made possible by National Grid’s Make-Ready Electric Vehicle program, which funds electricity infrastructure costs associated with new EV charging stations for its upstate electric business customers.

“The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is proud to promote, support and connect our local business and tourism communities. We believe passionately in collaborations that enhance our abilities to live, work and play in Genesee County,” said Chamber President Erik Fix. “We are grateful for our partnership with National Grid and the BID (Business Improvement District) and appreciate them working together to bring EV car charging stations to downtown Batavia.”

National Grid’s program covered more than 90 percent of the infrastructure costs to install the charging stations, which includes two at Mancuso Bowling Center and two at the City Church.

“The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District board of directors was excited to pursue this project and are thrilled to see four EV charging locations within our downtown,” said BID Executive Director Beth Kemp in a statement. “We would not have been able to move forward with these progressive additions to our downtown without the assistance of National Grid, NYSERDA, Rick Mancuso and Marty Macdonald. Thank you to all partners involved.”

National Grid’s EV charging program is available for businesses, multi-unit residential buildings and retail stores, as well as parks and vacation destinations. The company also offers a program for companies looking to electrify their fleets, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and meet the decarbonization goals of the states where the utility operates, officials said.

“Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise in New York state, and EV charging stations are a great way to attract employees and also a great way to attract and retain new customers,” said Paul Gister, customer and community engagement manager for National Grid.

Gister also said that EV charging stations have become more popular among landlords seeking to attract and retain tenants, as well as help the state achieve its energy targets.

“These programs include incentives for customers who have an eye on the future, who support clean energy initiatives and are providing a necessity for the vehicles that will take us there,” Gister added. “Initiatives like these are at the heart of how we collaborate with customers and significantly impact our communities and community partners. These kinds of collaborations are central to our Project C Initiative, which was created to inspire change and create a more equitable future for our customers and communities.”

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Incentives approved for mixed-used project in Genesee County

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors has approved a final resolution for financial assistance for a mixed-use development which will include six market-rate units in the town of Pembroke.

The $1.7 million project by J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC includes the construction of a 14,000-square-foot two-story building on 2.6 acres at the 67-acre Buffalo East Technology Park. There will be a 7,000-square-foot flexible layout for commercial tenants on the first floor and six apartments on the second floor. The project is located adjacent to Yancey’s Fancy’s facilities on Brickhouse Drive.

J&R Fancher will receive $254,336 of financial assistance that includes sales, mortgage and property tax abatements. The project is expected to create a $4-to-$1 return on investment for Genesee County in addition to increased commercial and residential benefits in the town of Pembroke. A public hearing on the proposed agreement was held on Oct. 5.

“We continue to build a critical mass of infrastructure, including housing at the intersection of Routes 5 and 77 in Pembroke, which is an important thoroughfare in Genesee County with easy access to the New York State Thruway,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “This growth in turn is generating new jobs, private sector capital investment and revenues for our local government partners.”

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GCEDC approves Liberty Pumps incentives; accepts two project applications

The Genesee County Economic Development Center board of directors has approved a final resolution for incentives supporting Liberty Pumps’ $13.7 million expansion at the company’s operations in the town of Bergen.

The manufacturer will invest nearly $14 million to build a 107,000-square-foot materials facility in the Apple Tree Acres business park. The facility is expected to create 30 new full-time jobs with an average salary of $52,000 annually, plus benefits. Officials estimate the project will generate $29 of investment into the local economy for every $1 of approved incentives.

The project will receive sales and property tax exemptions of roughly $1.5 million.

GCEDC also accepted an initial application for a $4.5 million project proposed by Valiant Real Estate USA Inc., dba New York Bus Co. The company plans to build a 20,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Saile Drive and Call Parkway in the town of Batavia.

The project will create 24 full-time positions with an average salary range of $30,000 to $75,000 annually, plus benefits. New York Bus is requesting some $430,000 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

The project is expected to generate $50 into the Genesee County economy for every $1 of incentives.

Finally, the board accepted an initial application for incentives from J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC, which is proposing a $1.7 million capital investment for a 14,000-square-foot building located at Buffalo East Technology Park in Pembroke.

J&R Fancher plans to build six market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments, with 7,000 square feet of commercial space. The project is requesting roughly $254,000 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

Public hearings will be scheduled for the two projects.

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Schumer in Genesee County to tout STAMP, green energy investments

Sen. Charles Schumer visited the Genesee County STAMP site on Wednesday (provided)
Sen. Charles Schumer visited the Genesee County STAMP site on Wednesday (provided)

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer visited Genesee County on Wednesday to tout his two-pronged plan to establish the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) as a domestic hub for the semiconductor and clean energy industries. Schumer said his push would grow and attract new jobs and tenants to the tech campus to boost the Western New York economy and grow new green economy and advanced manufacturing jobs.

The STAMP site is in the running for a new $17 billion Samsung chip fabrication plant; Schumer’s hope is that a portion of the $52 billion in federal incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research and development in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) will entice the company to build its manufacturing facility at the as-yet unoccupied 1,250-acre site.

Plug Power Inc. has committed to locating its green hydrogen production facility at STAMP, as well as investing $55 million to help build a 345/115KV electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid. Local and state incentives have been approved to ensure Plug Power’s commitment to the site.

On Wednesday, Schumer (D-NY) detailed his two-pronged plan for STAMP, which, in addition to the Samsung push includes support for securing new hydrogen investments by enacting the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA), which recently passed the Senate.

“The Western New York STAMP campus is the perfect place to establish the next global hub for the semiconductor and clean energy industries,” Schumer said. “Now with STAMP in contention to land Samsung’s $17 billion chip fab and its first tenant Plug Power is building North America’s largest green hydrogen fuel plant here, there’s no site better suited to lead the next tech revolution, and that’s because STAMP, with its shovel-ready facilities, low-cost and reliable utility grid, and top-notch workforce spanning from Buffalo to Rochester and beyond, is tailor-made to suit large-scale tech development. The USICA and IIJA, which I have already secured Senate passage of, and the Budget Reconciliation Bill, which I am working on negotiating now, will all work together to give STAMP the green light it needs to attract and lead established and emerging tech industries.”

Schumer has made calls to Samsung executives to express his support for the project coming to Western New York and emphasized that his efforts were now backed by incentives in the USICA. Schumer’s office confirmed that Samsung officials visited the campus to take a first-hand look at the facilities and said that the site was “very much still in the running.” Schumer also has pushed STAMP with the CEOs of Intel and Micron as an ideal site for them to expand and build new manufacturing operations.

“The STAMP site was designed and is being built to enable the acceleration of new technologies and advances in manufacturing with our outstanding renewable energy and talent availability,” said Genesee County Economic Development Center President and CEO Steve Hyde. “The commitment by Plug Power to bring green hydrogen to the market with Project Gateway at STAMP, and of Senate Majority Leader Schumer to expand the benefits created by Plug Power and green hydrogen manufacturing, are true examples of STAMP’s vision being implemented to the benefit of Genesee County, our region and state, and for the future of our economy and environment.”

Schumer also highlighted other wins for the region in the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill. The region will receive:

· $790,000 for the Genesee County Airport and $27 million for Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
· For transit, more than $94.5 million for the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority divided over five years.
· The region also will receive a sizable portion of the more than $20 billion devoted for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, including a carve-out within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to replace lead service lines in communities statewide.

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GCEDC approves incentives for five Genesee County projects

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors on Thursday approved incentives for five projects with a total capital investment of roughly $28 million and accepted an initial application for a proposal by Liberty Pumps for a $13.7 million expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility.

GCEDC approved incentives for Gateway GS LLC for the build-out of a third 27,000 square-foot building at the Gateway II Corporate Park in the town of Batavia. Gateway will receive mortgage, sales and property tax exemptions of some $386,000.

Gateway plans to invest roughly $2.36 million. The proposed facility is expected to be completed in 2022 and will create 21 new jobs with an average salary of $42,000 annually, plus benefits. It is estimated that the project will generate $28 of investment into the local economy for every $1 of incentives.

The organization also approved final applications for incentives for four community solar projects with a combined generation of 15.65 megawatts.

Trousdale Solar LLC and Trousdale Solar II LLC are building two projects that total $14.8 million of investment on Ellicott Street Road in the town of Batavia. The projects will generate 5 MW and 4 MW of electricity and more than $930,000 in future revenues to Genesee County and the Batavia City School District over 15 years. The projects will receive roughly $2.5 million in property and sales tax incentives.

Batavia Solar LLC (YSG Solar) is building a $3.5 million solar project at the Upstate MedTech Park in the town of Batavia. The project will generate 1.65 MW of electricity and more than $150,000 in future revenues to Genesee County and the Byron-Bergen School District. The proposed project agreement is estimated to provide some $500,000 in property and sales tax incentives.

NY CDG Genesee 1 LLC plans to build a $7.3 million solar project on Oak Orchard Road in the town of Elba. The project will generate 5 MW of electricity and more than $518,000 in future revenues to Genesee County, the town of Elba and the Elba Central School District. The project is estimated to provide $1.2 million in property and sales tax incentives.

The board approved an application for consideration of incentives from Liberty Pumps. Liberty Pumps is proposing to make a $13.7 million capital investment to expand its manufacturing operations at the Apple Tree Acres business park in the town of Bergen.

The family- and employee-owned company is proposing to build 107,000 square feet of new warehouse and manufacturing space to accommodate the continued growth of the business. The project is expected to create some 30 jobs over three years while retaining its current employment of roughly 280.

The company is requesting $1.4 million in property and sales tax exemptions. The project is estimated to produce $29 of investment into the local economy for every $1 of incentives. A public hearing will be conducted because incentives total more than $100,000.

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GCEDC to consider several project incentives in Batavia

The Genesee County Economic Development Center board of directors will consider proposals for $18.2 million of new investment at its July 1 meeting.

Gateway GS LLC, aka Gallina Development, is proposing to construct the third phase of its flex campus at the GCEDC’s Gateway II Corporate Park in the town of Batavia. The $2.36 million investment involves a 27,000-square-foot facility that would be complete in 2022 for a single logistics and distribution tenant.

The tenant is estimating creating 21 jobs at an average annual salary of $42,000. The GCEDC board will consider an initial resolution for the project; Gateway GS is seeking roughly $387,000 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

GCEDC also will consider a final resolution for Just Chez Realty LLC. The company is proposing a $450,000 building redevelopment project as part of the city of Batavia’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The project would renovate some 6,000 square feet of a more than 13,000-square-foot building at 206 E. Main St. to create two market-rate apartments on the second floor.

Just Chez is seeking $21,000 in sales tax exemptions.

The board also will consider an initial resolution for two community solar projects on Ellicott Street Road in the town of Batavia. Trousdale Solar LLC is proposing projects that would generate 5 MW and 4 MW of electricity. The payments in lieu of taxes would result in payments of roughly $930,000 to the Batavia City School District and Genesee County over 15 years.

Trousdale Solar is seeking roughly $2.5 million in property and sales tax exemptions.

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GCEDC approves incentives for two Genesee County projects

The Genesee County Economic Development Center has approved incentives for projects totaling $13.5 million of new capital investment.

Forefront Power LLC, aka Elba Solar, will invest nearly $10 million to build a 5-megawatt community solar project on Norton Road in the town of Elba. The project will generate roughly $519,000 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.

The project also will fund a community benefit agreement for workforce development and economic development projects in the county. Forefront Power will receive $1.416 million in sales and property tax exemptions.

Batavia Special Needs Apartments L.P. plans to invest $3.75 million to add 20 living units to an existing special needs housing campus on East Main Street in the city of Batavia. The organization will receive roughly $772,000 in sales and property tax exemptions. Additional revenues from the project will be added to an existing payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement for the development.

The GCEDC board also accepted an application by NY CDG Genesee 1 LLC, aka BW Solar, for a proposed 5 MW community solar project on Oak Orchard Road in the town of Elba with a capital cost of $7.326 million. The project would generate roughly $519,000 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.

A public hearing on the project is scheduled for May 17 at 10 a.m. as the project’s developer is requesting incentives of more than $100,000.

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GCEDC approves incentives for Plug Power mega-site

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors has approved incentives for Plug Power Inc.’s green hydrogen production facility at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park.

Billed as North America’s largest green energy technology facility, the project is expected to cost $232.7 million. Plug Power also will invest $55 million to help build a 345/115KV electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid. The substation will support future expansion and growth opportunities at STAMP’s 1,250-acre mega-site.

Under the incentives application approved by the GCEDC board, Plug Power will contribute roughly $2.3 million annually to support local municipalities and infrastructure development under a 20-year agreement.

“The investments by Plug Power Inc. will advance our region’s expanding green hydrogen economy, create good jobs aligned with our county’s workforce training programs, and advance major infrastructure that is accessible to future projects,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde in a statement. “This project by Plug Power, along with the team effort by the GCEDC board of directors, Empire State Development, the New York Power Authority and National Grid, show our capacity to advance regionally significant projects at STAMP.”

Plug Power will receive a variety of incentives for the project, both locally and at the state level. GCEDC has offered an estimated sales tax exemption of $1.113 million and a property tax abatement of $117.748 million for a total of $18.861 million, officials said. Plug Power would get a 20-year fixed PILOT payment of $498,772 annually for a total of $9.975 million. And the company also agreed to a host community infrastructure agreement for 20 years for a fixed payment of $1.8 million per year.

In addition to Plug Power, GCEDC also approved or accepted applications from five projects totaling $420 million of capital investment in Genesee County.

The board approved final incentives for Forefront Power LLC (Elba Solar) for a $9.7 million community solar project on Norton Road in the town of Elba. The project will generate 5MW of power and generate some $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.

The board also approved final incentives for Solar Liberty for community solar projects on Tesnow Road in the town of Pembroke at a capital investment of $7.7 million. The projects will generate 4MW and 5MW of power and will generate roughly $856,024 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Pembroke and the Akron Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.

Finally, the GCEDC board accepted initial applications for two other projects that include:

  • Excelsior Energy LLC is proposing to invest $345.55 million in a utility-scale solar project on multiple properties in the town of Byron. The project will generate 280 MW of power. Excelsior has negotiated a 20-year tax and community host agreements, including payments of $6,500 per MW, with a 2 percent annual escalator, to Genesee County, the town of Byron and the Byron-Bergen School District.
  • DePaul Special Needs Apartments L.P. is proposing to invest $3.75 million to expand by 20 living units an existing special needs housing campus in the city of Batavia. The project would increase annual payments in lieu of taxes payments by roughly $6,000 per year for the remainder of the facility’s existing PILOT schedule.

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GCEDC to consider six projects for incentives

The Genesee County Economic Development Center board of directors will consider six projects for incentives at its May 25 meeting.

In addition to considering final approval of incentives for Plug Power Inc.’s proposed $232.7 million green energy technology facility at Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park, projects totaling another $420 million of capital investment in Genesee County will be considered.

Plug Power’s facility would create roughly 68 new jobs initially at an average starting salary of some $70,000, and contribute roughly $2.3 million annually to support local municipalities and infrastructure development under a 20-year agreement.

The GCEDC board also will consider final approval of applications for incentives for three community solar projects:
• Forefront Power LLC (Elba Solar) is proposing to invest $9.7 million in a community solar project on Norton Road in the town of Elba. The project will produce 5MW of power and will generate roughly $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.
• Solar Liberty is proposing to invest $7.7 million in two community solar projects on Tesnow Road in the town of Pembroke. The projects will generate 4MW and 5MW of power and will generate roughly $856,024 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Pembroke and the Akron Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.

Additionally, the GCEDC board will consider accepting initial applications for two other projects:
• Excelsior Energy LLC is proposing to invest more than $345 million in a utility-scale solar project on multiple properties in the town of Byron. The project will generate 280 MW of power. Excelsior has negotiated a 20-year tax and community host agreements, including payments of $6,500 per MW, with a 2 percent annual escalator, to Genesee County, the town of Byron and the Byron Bergen School District.
• DePaul Special Needs Apartments L.P. is proposing to invest $3.75 million to expand by 20 living units an existing special needs housing campus in the city of Batavia. The project would increase annual payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) payments by roughly $6,000 per year for the remainder of the facility’s existing PILOT schedule.

GCEDC is the primary economic development agency in Genesee County. The GCEDC’s mission is to provide the resources to foster community economic success and facilitate new business attraction in order to build a sustainable long-term economy.

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Genesee County STAMP site increasing water supply

A $2 million infrastructure project at the 1,250-acre Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in Genesee County is expected to increase water capacity at the mega-site by 1 million gallons per day.

Completion of the project is anticipated this summer.

“Every infrastructure milestone adds to the tremendous momentum behind STAMP. Our ability to deliver low-cost, 100 percent renewable power, and utility infrastructure aligned with project timelines and capacities, is driving even greater interest from site selectors and companies looking to locate in Genesee County,” said Genesee County Economic Development Center President and CEO Steve Hyde.

Hyde noted that STAMP’s development is advancing with significant infrastructure design, engineering and construction milestones. The mega-site already is designed and permitted for the construction of more than 6 million square feet of advanced manufacturing facility space.

The water infrastructure project includes the installation of new high-capacity water lines that will connect with previously extended infrastructure on New York State Route 77 that runs adjacent to the STAMP site.

The water line project is supported by New York state and is aligned with investments by Genesee County and the towns of Alabama and Pembroke to expand infrastructure for economic and community growth. Morsch Pipeline in Avon, Livingston County, serves as the lead contractor on the project.

In February, Plug Power Inc. announced it plans to begin construction of North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility at STAMP. Plug Power’s $290 million proposed facility and electric substation investment further expand access to high-capacity, flexible infrastructure on parcels ranging from 30 acres to more than 650 acres, Hyde noted.

“Partnering with an industry leader like Plug Power is another significant asset available at STAMP to grow the renewable and advanced manufacturing sectors which will transform our regional economy for generations,” Hyde said.

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GCEDC accepts application for incentives for new Plug Power facility

The Genesee County Economic Development Center has accepted an initial application for incentives from Plug Power Inc. for its proposed $232.7 million green energy technology facility at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).

The project was announced on Feb. 25 and is expected to create nearly 70 jobs at a starting salary of roughly $70,000. In addition, Plug Power will invest $55 million for the construction of an electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid to support future expansion and growth opportunities at STAMP.

Under the terms of a 20-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement, Plug Power would pay roughly $2.3 million annually to support local municipalities and infrastructure, including Genesee County, the town of Alabama and the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District.

Steve Hyde
Steve Hyde

“Plug Power’s vision at STAMP includes over $100 million of investments into our municipal partners and site infrastructure. These investments further enhance the strengths of our 1,250-acre mega site,” GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde said in a statement. “At STAMP, projects can access low-cost power that is 100 percent renewable and reliable, at a site that is located, zoned and built for projects to succeed within their timelines.”

For every $1 of public benefit requested, more than $4.30 of planned investment and spending is estimated for the project, totaling roughly $500 million over two decades. The GCEDC board approved a purchase and sale agreement with Plug Power covering nearly 30 acres at STAMP for the proposed project.

Additionally, GCEDC approved $906,000 in incentives to support LandPro Equipment LLC’s planned $9.2 million project to acquire and develop a 14-acre parcel to build a 50,000-square-foot facility for a full-service regional John Deere facility. The project is expected to create five new jobs and retain roughly 60 jobs.

The GCEDC board also accepted an initial application from Forefront Power LLC for a proposed $9.7 million community solar project. The project would generate 5 MW of power and is projected to generate roughly $519,000 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba and the Elba Central School District over a 15-year agreement.

The board also accepted applications from Solar Liberty for two community solar projects with a capital investment of roughly $7.7 million. The projects will generate 4 MW and 5 MW of power and are projected to generate $856,000 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Pembroke and Akron Central School District over a 15-year agreement.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

GCEDC to consider Plug Power incentives for new STAMP facility

As part of its plan to locate at Genesee County’s Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP), Plug Power Inc. has requested incentives from the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

GCEDC’s board of directors will consider a request for $118.4 million in sales and property tax exemptions. For every $1 of public benefit requested, more than $4.30 of investment is proposed by the company, equating to $520 million over 20 years.

Under the terms of a proposed 20-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, Plug
Power would pay roughly $2.3 million annually to support local municipalities and infrastructure, including Genesee County, the town of Alabama and the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District.

Plug Power has proposed a $232.7 million green energy technology facility at STAMP, which initially would create nearly 70 new jobs at an average starting salary of roughly $70,000 plus benefits, totaling over $102 million over 20 years.

The facility would produce green hydrogen through an electrolysis process of water using clean hydropower. The production facility would produce roughly 45 metric tons of liquid hydrogen on a daily basis and sold to customers to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

Plug Power also will invest $55 million for the construction of a 345/115KV electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid to support future expansion and growth opportunities at STAMP.

Construction is expected to begin this summer.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer