The Erie County Legislature has unanimously approved a resolution calling on the New York State Governor and Legislators to extend the Brownfield Clean-up Tax Incentives Program in support of regional business development. The program allows tax credits for companies that rehabilitate unused, contaminated industrial sites to create new business opportunities.

The resolution was approved 11-0 at the Jan. 8, 2015 Legislative session and copies of the resolution were sent to the Governor and State leaders.

“Erie County has many underutilized industrial sites that would be prime for development if they were properly cleaned up. Unfortunately many of these vacant properties are significantly contaminated. Cleanup is an expensive undertaking that has hindered future development. The County Legislature is strongly urging state leaders to extend the Brownfield Clean-up Tax Incentives Program, which has been extremely beneficial to our region. There are a lot of sites that still to be rehabilitated that will greatly benefit economic development,” said Legislator Rath.

In addition to the Legislators’ resolution calling for the extension of the program, the Legislature’s agenda included several letters from the New York State Department of Conversation referencing specific projects that were completed in the past thanks to the Brownfield Clean-up Tax Incentives Program. 

“The district I represent, Hamburg, Lackawanna and South Buffalo, is home to many brownfield sites, which is a challenge but is also grounds for great potential. These vacant properties are in great locations but need a lot of work before they can be utilized by companies. I am happy to support this resolution requesting that the state extend the tax credit and provide businesses with an incentive to invest in Erie County. We have seen how successful this program can be, including development of the new medical campus and HarborCenter downtown and Welded Tube in Lackawanna. This program is desperately needed in our region,” said Legislator Lynne Dixon.

County Legislators were disappointed to learn that Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently vetoed the State Legislature’s request to extend the program until March 2017 but are hopeful that a new plan will be in place soon that addresses the needs of the Erie County community.

“Unfortunately the Governor’s veto and subsequent suspension of the tax incentive program could have a significant impact on local development. We are encouraging the Legislature and Governor to come together quickly and agree on terms for the program. This delay could result in much-needed rehabilitation and development being lost, hurting our local economy. Our hope is that a new plan is in place very soon and impact to our community minimal,” said Majority Leader Lorigo.

To read the resolution, please click on the following link: Extension of Brownfield Clean-up Tax Incentives Program.