Overview
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is the nation's largest state public power organization, responsible for providing low-cost, clean, and reliable electricity to New York State. NYPA operates 17 generating facilities and over 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. Its mission is to power the state's economic growth through innovative energy solutions and partnerships with customers. NYPA is committed to supporting historically underserved and marginalized communities located near its statewide facilities and assets, including Buffalo’s East Side.
Projects
Northland Workforce Training Center - $1,174,600
NYPA has invested $1,174,600 to expand course offerings at the Northland Workforce Training Center, including an Automotive Service Technician training program in partnership with SUNY Erie Community College. This program aims to enroll 45 students per year for the next 10 years, providing them with the education and experience necessary to become automotive service technicians. Additionally, NYPA has donated a 2017 Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle (EV) charger, and various EV shop tools to Northland for its forthcoming clean energy center.
In 2016, NYPA also provided $15 million in funding to support the development of Northland, which has been pivotal in the economic revival of the East Side.
Learn more about the Northland Workforce Training Center and EV donation
Launch NY - $250,000
NYPA awarded $250,000 to Launch NY, a non-profit organization that supports startups. This funding will help train entrepreneurs with high-growth potential companies through individual and group training sessions, both in-person and virtual. The project aims to prepare business models and plans to attract investment, with the goal of training up to 100 businesses over two years.
Irish Welding - $87,000
NYPA awarded $87,000 to Irish Welding, a Buffalo-based family-owned company specializing in carbonic supplies, gases, and soft drink syrup and juice products. The funds will support a nearly $437,000 project to construct a new water line, replacing an old 3,000-foot line often disrupted by railroad traffic. This project will enable the company to remain at its current location, supporting 83 jobs.
Learn more about the Irish Welding award
Buffalo Go Green - $300,000
NYPA awarded Buffalo Go Green $300,000 to purchase a new indoor food production container to advance urban farming and raise awareness about hydroponic gardening, sustainability, and nutrition for underserved communities in the East Side. This facility grows vegetables and herbs year-round in an indoor environment without soil. The produce is distributed to the community, and the knowledge gained from these low-energy farming methods will help New York State achieve its clean energy goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production.
Learn more about Buffalo Go Green
Tree Power Program
NYPA donated 100 trees through the Tree Power program for planting in communities throughout the East Side, contributing to cleaner and greener living spaces. In alignment with New York’s Climate Act and NYPA’s Environmental Justice program’s objectives, Tree Power prioritizes donating and maintaining trees in disadvantaged communities across New York State. NYPA partnered with Re-Tree WNY and the Tool Library to plant 100 trees in parks and along streets throughout Buffalo's East Side. Additionally, NYPA business customers participating in the Tree Power program could donate trees at eligible locations. For every tree that a customer purchases to plant, NYPA offered a one-to-one tree match up to $5,000 in value. The Power Authority’s Sustainability department selected native tree varieties that benefit the region’s insects, birds, and mammals while also storing carbon to support the biodiversity of New York State.
Additional Impact
Currently, 27 companies in the East Side have been awarded 43 power allocations by NYPA, supporting over 2,750 full-time jobs and generating nearly $68.4 million in capital investment.