Welcome to the Shovel Ready website! Here you will find information about the premier designation available through New York State’s innovative "pre-permitting" program.
Having an economic development site certified as a "Shovel Ready Site" means that the local developer has worked proactively with the State to address all major permitting issues, prior to a business expressing interest in the location. This advance work creates a site where construction can begin rapidly, once a prospective business decides to develop a facility there. By reducing the time it takes a company to begin construction of a new facility, New York State and its local partners are able to provide valuable savings to the business and job opportunities for local residents.
“We are very pleased to have been granted Shovel Ready Certification and consider it a tremendous advantage in our marketing efforts. It has proven to assist us in receiving the attention of site selectors and/or business leaders who are potentially interested in the Upstate New York area.”
Drew Blum
Director of Real Estate & Business Development
North America Center
"Shovel Ready sites are vital to sustainable economic growth. The Essex County IDA is committed to assisting communities to develop infrastructure that will retain and attract businesses and improve the quality of life through good paying jobs. "
Jody C. Olcott
Co-Executive Director
Essex County IDA
Shovel Ready Certification is an ongoing component of the Build Now-NY program and is jointly administered by the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR) and Empire State Development (ESD). A site can, however, achieve Shovel Ready Certification without having received a Build Now-NY grant or loan to assist the developer in completing the advance work. Shovel Ready Certification is available to any site in New York State that is suitable for the type of development proposed, has proper zoning and infrastructure, has completed the appropriate surveys and studies, and has received the necessary permits and approvals. A more detailed checklist of required site attributes is available in the Shovel Ready Self Evaluation.
Whether you are an economic developer, a local government official, or a company looking to expand your operations, the Shovel Ready program has something to offer you:
- An attractive incentive to lure companies to your site.
- The ability to select the type of development most suited to your community and to develop local “buy in” before a project is announced.
- The ability to substantially expedite any construction project.
- Marketing assistance from Empire State Development.
- Technical assistance and help with permitting issues.
For more specific information about the Shovel Ready program, click on the links below:
