Herkimer County IDA highlights $2 million Northern Borders award, EPA assessment grants and business park growth
June 30, 2026 | Herkimer County, New York
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The Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency (HCIDA) on Tuesday reviewed a series of federal and regional grant awards and detailed development progress at county business parks.
Staff reported that the county received a $2 million award from the Northern Borders Regional Commission; the grant was highlighted in the agency's recent social-media posts and used in outreach to developers. Staff also described a recent EPA countywide assessment grant — part of multiple EPA awards the county has received this funding round — that brings the county's total assessment grant awards to approximately $1.3 million.
"This is a very exciting thing to be in there," said a staff presenter, noting the EPA award does not require matching funds in this final round and will help assess brownfield sites for potential reuse. The presenter said the county is using assessment funding in coordination with its countywide BOA outreach to plan reuse and redevelopment in several communities.
Board members and staff also reported tangible development progress in the Skylar Business Park. Staff said they had closed on 60 acres of park property, paid off the Skylar mortgage and observed new construction activity: "Project Stark has broke ground in the Skylar business park," a staff member said, describing a planned 3.5-acre site with office space and a sizable warehouse.
Board members credited staff and regional partners for recent wins and emphasized the role of outreach in securing funding. One board member said the Northern Borders award and EPA grants "bring money into the community" and "move the needle," urging recognition of staff efforts.
The board did not model any changes to policy during the meeting; instead, members focused on implementing the grants, continuing outreach for the countywide BOA and marketing available property inventory to prospective tenants. Staff said they will continue follow-up with developers and agencies to advance projects such as Project Mohawk and the spec building plans for the park.
The board approved routine minutes and financial items earlier in the meeting and reserved several agenda items for future action; no vote was required in this segment on grant acceptance, which staff said will proceed through standard program channels.
Staff reported that the county received a $2 million award from the Northern Borders Regional Commission; the grant was highlighted in the agency's recent social-media posts and used in outreach to developers. Staff also described a recent EPA countywide assessment grant — part of multiple EPA awards the county has received this funding round — that brings the county's total assessment grant awards to approximately $1.3 million.
"This is a very exciting thing to be in there," said a staff presenter, noting the EPA award does not require matching funds in this final round and will help assess brownfield sites for potential reuse. The presenter said the county is using assessment funding in coordination with its countywide BOA outreach to plan reuse and redevelopment in several communities.
Board members and staff also reported tangible development progress in the Skylar Business Park. Staff said they had closed on 60 acres of park property, paid off the Skylar mortgage and observed new construction activity: "Project Stark has broke ground in the Skylar business park," a staff member said, describing a planned 3.5-acre site with office space and a sizable warehouse.
Board members credited staff and regional partners for recent wins and emphasized the role of outreach in securing funding. One board member said the Northern Borders award and EPA grants "bring money into the community" and "move the needle," urging recognition of staff efforts.
The board did not model any changes to policy during the meeting; instead, members focused on implementing the grants, continuing outreach for the countywide BOA and marketing available property inventory to prospective tenants. Staff said they will continue follow-up with developers and agencies to advance projects such as Project Mohawk and the spec building plans for the park.
The board approved routine minutes and financial items earlier in the meeting and reserved several agenda items for future action; no vote was required in this segment on grant acceptance, which staff said will proceed through standard program channels.
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