A Chautauqua County location has been selected for funding by Empire State Development under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York program.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency is receiving $675,000 for a town of Sheridan effort. This predevelopment project will allow for shovel-ready advancement of the long-vacant 657-acre Eagle Bay site. Funds will help expand upon work done during the 1990s, including environmental investigation, rezoning, surveying and real estate due diligence. This work will position this location as the county’s second large-scale industrial site with direct rail access to both CSX and Norfolk Southern railways, marine cargo, and proximity to the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub. The project will reduce development risk, support shovel-ready certification advancement, and reposition Chautauqua County to compete more effectively for next generation industrial development.

The total project cost is $1.35 million.

First announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in February 2022, FAST NY is administered by ESD and designed to prepare and develop sites that further advance New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. To date, FAST NY has awarded more than $333 million to 41 sites across Upstate New York, supporting efforts at nearly 8,800 acres — including infrastructure improvements at 4,775 developable acres.

“Through our FAST-NY program, we’re investing to help communities across the state prepare shovel-ready sites that attract new businesses and good paying jobs,” Hochul said. “When we empower local leaders with the tools they need to compete, we are building a stronger and more vibrant economy for every region of New York.”

Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority and the Herkimer County IDA were the other projects winning funding.