Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees has approved economic development awards to 25 companies that will support more than 12,000 jobs, nearly 500 newly created, and spur more than $410 million in capital investments.
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Low-cost power through the ReCharge NY program was allocated to 23 applicants throughout the state, and Niagara low-cost hydropower was awarded to two firms in Western New York. Additionally, the NYPA Board approved a Western New York Power Proceeds award to support the deployment of green hydrogen in New York State.
The approved allocations of nearly nine megawatts (MW) of low-cost power under the ReCharge NY program will be directed to 23 companies in the Capital District, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, New York City, Western New York and on Long Island. The awards directly support more than 12,000 jobs — 458 newly created — and more than $305 million in capital investments.
The NYPA board also approved low-cost Niagara hydropower allocations to two companies in Western New York: Coal Ash Recycling (CAR) and SonwilDistribution Center.
The NYPA board approved a 2,550-kilowatt (kW) hydropower allocation in support of CAR's expansion, spurring approximately $45 million in capital investment and creating 20 green jobs in the region.
CAR, an owner of landfill sites that hold fly ash, a key component in concrete manufacturing, is planning an expansion project at its Fredonia facility to remediate and process fly ash so that it may be used in the production of low-carbon green concrete. Fly ash is a byproduct of burning ground coal to generate electricity.
Sonwil Distribution Center, a storage, and distribution company based in Western New York for more than 80 years, was allocated 500 kW of hydropower to construct a 334,000 square-foot distribution warehouse in West Seneca to support the growth of its existing customer base while providing the additional capacity needed to attract new clients.
The nearly $60 million facility will serve as a multi-temperature storage, distribution and packaging site for finished food and beverage products.
The project will allow the company to support the growth of existing manufacturers and help attract new ones to Western New York, which is expected to drive additional regional economic activity and create 19 new, full-time, permanent positions.
Additionally, the NYPA Board of Trustees approved a $35,000 award from the Western New York Power Proceeds Fund.
Niagara University was awarded $35,000 in funding to support a campus-wide feasibility study that will examine the potential to reduce emissions by increasing its use of green hydrogen. ■