FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
APRIL 10, 2008

THE SARATOGA TECHNOLOGY + ENERGY PARK GAINS SHOVEL READY CERTIFICATION
New York State Program Helps Make Site Ready for Business

 

Daniel C. Gundersen, Upstate Chairman of Empire State Development, and Robert Hermann, Director of the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform, today announced that the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP) has been awarded Shovel Ready Certification.  The STEP site is located in Saratoga County, New York on Hermes Road, in the town of Malta. The site features 280 developable acres.

A site granted New York State Shovel Ready Certification means sponsors have worked cooperatively with State and local officials to obtain the necessary permits and approvals for the site to be developed. Business leaders and site location consultants nationwide recognize the Shovel Ready designation as a mark of excellence. It is widely understood these pre-permitted sites reduce development delays and construction costs, saving companies interested in relocating to New York State time and money.  STEP is one of only 30 sites statewide that have been certified as Shovel Ready.

“Achieving 'shovel-ready' status is an important step in preparing a site for development," stated Upstate Chairman, Gundersen.  "I am very pleased to be able to add the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park to our list of shovel-ready sites and am looking forward to helping this location attract new businesses that will have a tremendous impact on economic development in this community.”

“The process for achieving New York State Shovel Ready Certification requires meticulous attention to detail, and it is significant that NYSERDA’s STEP has successfully received this prestigious certification,” said Paul D. Tonko, President and CEO of NYSERDA.  “Now we can offer companies seeking to locate at STEP the important benefits the Shovel Ready status provides, including dependable groundbreaking schedules, cost savings, and minimal time spent.  It is truly a pleasure to announce this transforming achievement by STEP as it leads the way in energy and technology in New York.”

New York’s Shovel Ready Site Certification program is administered jointly by Empire State Development (ESD) and the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR). Participating permitting agencies include New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, and Department of Transportation; the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Information on Build Now-NY’s Shovel Ready Site Certification component can be found at www.ShovelReady-NY.com.

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For more information contact the STEP team.