Chautauqua County government is assisting to help bring a new “shovel-ready” site in Ripley.

During the legislature meeting, lawmakers approved a resolution which allows the county to purchase up to $5.25 million in bonds for the proposed Ripley industrial development site near the Thruway.

Recently, the county Industrial Development Agency was approved for a $5.25 million grant from the state of New York. However the grant is only paid out once the project is completed. That means the county IDA must have the money first.

According to county IDA Director Mark Geise, the shovel-ready site is about 146 acres and is a $16 million to $17 million project. Those costs will allow the land purchase, stub in a road, water and sewer, and do the necessary environmental studies.

Geise said by purchasing the bonds, the county is giving a loan to the IDA so the work can get done and the IDA can get reimbursed from the state grant.

Attorney Steve Abdella, who formerly worked for the county and is now technically a volunteer, said during a committee meeting the week prior that this type of loan has been done in the past. “It’s a cash flow issue for the IDA. They have to front the money for the projects and at least complete certain stages of it before the state will reimburse them,” he said.

The state will also sign a grant agreement, guaranteeing any reimbursement, before the IDA takes any funds from the county.

The resolution was unanimously approved.

In other business:

– The legislature agreed to apply for federal and state aid for the Chautauqua County Airport at Dunkirk and Jamestown for the airports’ five year capital improvement plans. Legislator Bob Scudder, R-Fredonia, voted against the resolutions.

– The legislature agreed to purchase a 2002 Ford Ambulance from the Kiantone Independent Fire Department for $18,000.

– Legislator Marty Proctor, R-Mina, and Dawn Columbare of Lakewood were appointed to the county Board of Health.

– Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund was appointed to the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board.

– The legislature passed a motion urging the state to increase funding to community colleges in the state budget.

– March was declared Women’s History Month in Chautauqua County.

– March 18-22 was proclaimed Agricultural Literacy Week in Chautauqua County.