OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda The Colonial Squire Motel in Ripley will be demolished and replaced with a Love’s Travel Stop.

RIPLEY — Construction is ready to begin in April for a new travel center in Ripley.

At its monthly board meeting Tuesday, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency board of directors voted unanimously in favor of providing tax incentives for Love’s Travel Stop and Country Stores, Inc. The project involves construction of a state-of-the art, 22,000 square foot travel center on a 16-acre parcel located at 6201 and 6151 Shortman Road in the town. The travel center will include a convenience store, fueling islands, restaurant, repair center, and related services.

said Mark Geise, chief executive officer for the CCIDA.

stated Doug Bowen, Ripley town supervisor.

Love’s will provide services not otherwise available in the area and will attract customers from within and outside of the region. Its estimated $12 million investment for this project is anticipated to net over $30 million in combined regional and New York state economic benefits over the life of the PILOT.

said Rick Shuffield, vice president of real estate and development for Love’s.

The new facility, which is expected to break ground in April of 2021 and be completed by the end of the year, will create approximately 100 temporary construction jobs and more than 40 new permanent jobs.

County Executive PJ Wendel said,

Love’s was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. With over 530 locations in 41 states, they employ more than 28,000 employees nationwide.