Members of the WNY Delegation Join Effort to Secure State Aid for the Improvements Aimed at Sustaining and Growing the Corridor, Preventing Another Loss like Sumitomo
Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph H. Emminger, Senator Sean M. Ryan, and Assembly Member William “Bill” Conrad, are calling on the state to fund improvements to a raw water supply system that is vital to maintaining and enhancing the River Road Industrial Corridor, which has already been impacted by the closure of the Sumitomo plant.
Currently, industries in the corridor rely on the outdated raw water intakes and pumping infrastructure from the NRG Huntley Plant, which closed in 2016, but continues to sell raw water to neighboring industrial customers. The eventual decommissioning of NRG’s raw water intakes and pumping facilities will adversely impact the raw water supply of several of the largest local industries located along River Road in the Town of Tonawanda, including 3M and Evonik.
“The River Road Industrial Corridor is the manufacturing hub in all of Western New York, supporting over 5,000 jobs,” Supervisor Emminger said. “Securing a long-term raw water supply solution is essential to preserving existing jobs, attracting new business, and ensuring the continued economic vitality of our community.”
“The River Road Industrial Corridor is an important part of our local economy, bringing vital jobs and revenue to the Town of Tonawanda,” Senator Ryan noted. “Investing in the corridor’s aging infrastructure will help attract new industrial tenants to Western New York and ensure that the manufacturing companies that currently make up the corridor can continue to support thousands of good-paying, local jobs well into the future. Thank you to Supervisor Emminger for his advocacy on this matter. Assemblymember Conrad and I are working hard to ensure our colleagues in Albany understand the impact this investment will have on our regional economy.”
“’Raw water’ may not sound glamorous, but it represents the industrial lifeblood of our economy, locally and regionally, Assemblyman Conrad said. “This project is about growing and sustaining our workforce, and it’s about our economic development and future prosperity. I’m proud of Supervisor Emminger and his colleagues in government for fighting so persistently to bring this raw water system to fruition.”
Participating industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to contribute to initial design costs, demonstrating their commitment to the project. However, state funding remains a critical component of its viability.
The Town of Tonawanda is seeking $20-26 million from New York State to offset the initial $26 million capital investment, ensuring affordability for industrial customers and long-term sustainability for the region’s infrastructure.
The urgency for new infrastructure has increased following the unexpected November 2024 closure of the Sumitomo Rubber USA Tonawanda Plant on River Road. The redevelopment of the 2-million-square-foot facility presents an opportunity to attract new manufacturers, reinforcing the necessity of a modernized raw water supply system.
“The abrupt closure of Sumitomo dealt a severe blow to both its workers and the local economy,” Supervisor Emminger said. “While the State couldn’t prevent the shutdown, backing this project is a critical step to mitigate its impact.”
The Town, in partnership with engineering consultants, has completed an initial assessment of existing infrastructure and cost projections. The project timeline includes:
- Finalizing agreements with industrial customers by April 2025
- Securing state funding commitments in State Fiscal Year 2026
- Commencing construction before the end of 2025
“Investing in this critical infrastructure is not only about maintaining current operations; it’s about setting the stage for future growth,” Supervisor Emminger added. “With the necessary state support, we can ensure that Tonawanda remains a prime location for industrial investment and job creation.”
“We are working in Albany, especially now, during budget negotiations, to elevate this matter with our leadership and fellow legislators, to underscore the significance and potential of this corridor,” Conrad said. “I believe, together, we can create here a model for public-private collaboration that will keep our riverfront in the Town viable and vital for generations to come.”
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