More than $43 million in grants has been awarded to five projects across Upstate New York through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) program, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The initiative aims to prepare sites for industrial development and attract large employers, particularly in high-tech manufacturing.
The FAST NY program is managed by Empire State Development and seeks to support site improvements that encourage new investments and job creation. Since its launch, the program has distributed over $326 million to 39 sites in Upstate New York. An additional $100 million has been secured in the FY2026 Executive Budget to further expand the program.
“Through FAST NY, we are effectively promoting manufacturing and bringing good-paying jobs to communities across Upstate New York,” Governor Hochul said. “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 stated, “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.”
The latest round of awards includes:
– Village of Maybrook, Orange County: $25.48 million will fund infrastructure upgrades at the Maybrook Rail Yard for development into a business park accessible by rail.
– Fulton County Industrial Development Agency: $8.99 million will go toward revitalizing Tryon Technology Park with water and wastewater upgrades.
– Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency: $7.9 million will be used for upgrades at Central New York Business Center including gas main improvements and construction of an onsite water tank.
– Advance Albany County Alliance Local Development Corporation: $500,000 will help advance pre-development work at Al Tech Advanced Manufacturing Campus.
– Erie County: $500,000 will support engineering services for sewer capacity improvements via Elma Pumping Station upgrades.
FAST NY was first introduced in February 2022 with an initial commitment of $200 million. Additional funding was later secured through state budgets, bringing total allocations up to $400 million. The program has attracted companies such as fairlife, Chobani, Edwards Vacuum, Siemens Mobility and Oxbo, which together plan investments exceeding $2.2 billion and nearly 3,000 jobs.
State Senator Patricia Fahy commented on the impact of FAST NY on regional manufacturing opportunities: “When manufacturing left the Capital Region and Upstate New York communities decades ago, it primarily hurt working people’s ability to get a meaningful, good-paying job and get ahead. With the FAST NY program, we’re investing in the future of the Capital Region’s manufacturing industry and bringing it back with workforce development aimed at advanced manufacturing industries. Connecting our workforce and families to advanced manufacturing opportunities will change lives, create new career paths and opportunities, and ensure our communities aren’t just ready for the economy of tomorrow but able to capitalize on it as well. Today’s announcement of $500,000 brings us closer to that goal, and by investing in true shovel-ready sites at the Al Tech Advanced Manufacturing Campus here in Albany, we’re accelerating growth in advanced manufacturing, strengthening our regional competitiveness, and laying the groundwork for thousands of future jobs across our Capital Region. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their commitment to building out the infrastructure that high-growth industries demand, and for ensuring the Capital Region is ready to seize the next generation of economic opportunity.”
Village of Maybrook Mayor Dennis Leahy expressed appreciation for state investment: “For many years, the Maybrook Rail Yard has symbolized both great promise and missed opportunity. Today, through Governor Hochul’s leadership and the FAST NY program, we take a transformative step forward. The State’s $25 million investment will redevelop this long-idle property into the Switchyard Terminal for Economic and Advanced Manufacturing, establishing shovel-ready sites that will attract innovative employers and expand economic opportunity for Maybrook and Orange County. With our infrastructure revitalized, the Village is prepared to assume its role as a regional economic center, and we extend our sincere appreciation for the State’s partnership in building a stronger, more prosperous future.”
Herkimer County Chairman Peter J. Campione also acknowledged state support: “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for this significant investment in the Central New York Business Center. This funding will allow us to complete essential infrastructure upgrades that prepare the site for advanced manufacturing, drive job creation, and strengthen the region’s economic future. We appreciate the Governor’s continued support and commitment to growing New York’s manufacturing economy.”
FAST NY grants can be used for pre-development activities or infrastructure investments targeting industries such as high-tech manufacturing—including semiconductors—clean energy technology production or distribution logistics.
Empire State Development acts as New York’s chief economic development agency overseeing programs like broadband expansion through ConnectALL as well as tourism promotion efforts via I LOVE NY.
For more information about FAST NY or application details visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.