New York State Allocates $9.8M Grant for Webster High-Tech Manufacturing Infrastructure

What's Happening?

New York State has announced the allocation of nearly $10 million in FAST grant funding to enhance infrastructure at the Xerox campus and surrounding areas in Webster. The FAST program, which stands for Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York, aims to attract large employers and high-tech manufacturing by ensuring sites are ready for development. The Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development, Inc. will receive a $9.8 million grant to facilitate road dedication, construction, multimodal connections, sanitary sewer upgrades, and electrical master planning at the Northeast Area Technology (NEAT) site. The upgrades at the Xerox campus involve nearly 300 acres of developable property and over one million square feet of industrial space for advanced manufacturing. This grant is part of a larger $51 million FAST funding initiative announced this week.

Why It's Important?

The grant is significant as it supports the development of high-tech manufacturing infrastructure, which is crucial for economic growth and job creation in the region. By making sites shovel-ready, the initiative aims to attract large employers, potentially boosting local employment and stimulating the economy. The investment in infrastructure improvements, such as road construction and sewer upgrades, enhances the area's capacity to support advanced manufacturing operations. This development aligns with broader state efforts to foster innovation and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector, which can have long-term benefits for the local economy and workforce.

What's Next?

With the grant secured, the Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development will proceed with the planned infrastructure improvements. These developments are expected to make the area more attractive to high-tech manufacturers, potentially leading to new business investments and job opportunities. Stakeholders, including local government and business leaders, will likely monitor the progress of these upgrades and their impact on attracting new employers. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar projects across the state, encouraging further investment in shovel-ready sites.