A proposed shovel-ready site for industries to come to Chautauqua County has gotten additional funding.

Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced that the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency will receive a federal grant of $1,999,999 for the Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site project. The project is proposed to generate $60 million in private investment and create 320 new jobs in the region.

“The Ripley Shovel Ready Site will bring good-paying jobs, attract new businesses, and provide the economic boost Chautauqua County needs,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This significant investment will drive this project forward and give the community new opportunities for economic growth. As someone who grew up in the Southern Tier, I will always make it a priority to bring our federal tax dollars home for meaningful efforts like this one.”

“Securing this funding represents a significant advancement for the Ripley shovel-ready site, a key project that promises to drive economic growth and prosperity here in Chautauqua County. This additional $1,999,999 from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help build out critical infrastructure and bring this project one step closer to completion. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Nick Langworthy for his steadfast support. Congressman Langworthy has been a constant advocate for our residents, and is working with Chautauqua County to bring economic revitalization to our region. I also wish to thank Mark Geise, our Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, for his tireless efforts in bringing this vision to life. This site will attract new investments, create jobs, and promote the kind of economic development that will benefit our county for generations,” said Paul M. Wendel Jr., Chautauqua County Executive.

Congressman Langworthy sent a letter of support for this funding in April.

The Ripley project will install critical infrastructure, including access roads, water, sewer, gas, and communication lines, transforming the 147-acre site into a shovel-ready location for future businesses. These improvements will help meet the growing demand for development-ready space from the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing sectors, and will play a vital role in revitalizing the region’s economy.

Funding for this project is provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.