County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA)
The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. We facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the forms of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses.
Manufacturing remains strong in Chautauqua County.
To highlight just a few recent and ongoing success stories: the CCIDA assisted Dunkirk Metal Products of WNY with consolidation and relocation of two manufacturing facilities to a new location in the Chadwick Bay Industrial Park, Sheridan. Both former facilities are fully occupied by successful new companies. We provided an AL Tech RLF loan to Artone, LLC in the City of Jamestown to purchase a new manufacturing facility as part of a major capital project to streamline production. ECR International, Inc. in Dunkirk is going strong after receiving assistance to purchase new manufacturing equipment, construct an addition and renovate space.
Beyond manufacturing and industrial projects we also provide assistance to companies in the fields of agribusiness, technology, logistics, warehouse/distribution, tourism. Some examples include incentives, Bonds and AL Tech RLF financing provided to Peek ‘n Peak Resort, Chautauqua Institution and the Summer Wind. All of these efforts are designed to grow regional demand for Chautauqua County as a year-round destination for visitors.
The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Economic Development (CCPED) has many exciting projects underway. Development of the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System currently underway in the eastern part of the County, being undertaken primarily by volunteers and supported by County and federal Appalachian Regional Commission grant funding, is progressing well. Ultimately, this project will result in a 25+ mile loop that connects the Boutwell Hill State Forest to Cockaigne Ski Resort and the Village of Cherry Creek. The project includes the creation and enhancement of sustainable trails, parking areas, signage, and kiosks, and is expected to be a very impressive venue that attracts equestrians from all over the Country.
The Chautauqua County Land Bank continues to mature and grow. It recently received a $1.5 Million state grant that enabled it to hire a full-time administrator. The Land Bank recently completed several projects that involved acquiring dilapidated residential structures from the County foreclosure process, and through negotiated sales has resulted in significant private investment. The end result has been enhancement of neighborhoods, the provision of good housing for the new property owners, and properties going back on the tax roll at a higher assessed value. The Land Bank will continue to ramp up its operations and expects to, with collaboration from municipalities, rehabilitate at least 10 properties and demolish as many as 80 structures over the next 2 years.
The County Planning Department continues to implement projects that were recommended in the County Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2011. These include, but are not limited to: the creation of the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance; procuring funding to build trails throughout the County (snowmobile, shared-use trails, mountain bikes, etc); development of the Northern Chautauqua County Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan; and dredging of the Lake Erie Harbors. In addition, the Department administers the 2% (waterways) and 3% (tourism) occupancy tax programs, which result in funding being allocated to approximately a dozen different projects each year.
Our strong Economic Offense is On the Move in Chautauqua County.
