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Grid issues pose a threat to Canandaigua's potential for growth, according to Simpson.

Electric grid issues pose a threat to Canandaigua's growth, despite being designated as a Pro Housing Community, which grants access to up to $750 million in state funding. According to Supervisor Jared Simpson, this perceived advantage for the town could be compromised by these grid problems.

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Electric grid issues pose a threat to the future development of Canandaigua, according to Simpson's...
Electric grid issues pose a threat to the future development of Canandaigua, according to Simpson's concerns.

Grid issues pose a threat to Canandaigua's potential for growth, according to Simpson.

Canandaigua, a town in New York State, is facing a significant challenge in addressing a $100 million gap in its electric infrastructure. However, the town's recent designation as a Pro Housing Community has opened up opportunities to tackle this issue head-on.

As a Pro Housing Community, Canandaigua now has access to up to $750 million in state funding. The town has already applied for a $10 million Pro Housing grant to kick-start grid improvements, focusing on critical development corridors such as the 332 Uptown Corridor. This corridor is particularly urgent for upgrades, as it is home to new housing developments and businesses like SpaceX's expanding chip manufacturing facility.

Securing Grants and Utility Partnerships

To reduce the prohibitive costs developers currently face, Canandaigua is seeking state and potentially federal grants, such as those targeting infrastructure improvements. For instance, upgrading the power connection at a paused housing site could cost $15-$25 million, adding approximately $35,000 to $40,000 per home. This extra cost is a significant constraint on growth.

Collaborating with utility providers like RG&E is also crucial. The town is planning and phasing grid upgrades, increasing transformer, substation, and distribution line capacity, especially where existing infrastructure is at or near its limit. This coordinated investment and accountability are essential to ensure timely delivery.

Prioritizing High-Growth Corridors

Investments will be prioritized in high-growth corridors affected by infrastructure constraints. These investments aim to maximize job creation and housing availability, as lack of capacity threatens both residential development and business expansions like SpaceX's high-tech operations.

Advocating for Accountability

Local leaders and regional advocates are rallying for the state to hold utilities accountable for timely infrastructure upgrades and to use the Pro Housing funding effectively. This is crucial in addressing the energy crisis and stimulating economic development.

Innovative Financing and Planning Approaches

Canandaigua is also exploring innovative financing and planning approaches. This could involve integrating experts in sustainable and resilient infrastructure to design solutions that account for future urban growth and climate resilience, maximizing the long-term value of electric infrastructure investments.

While the $10 million Pro Housing grant is only a start, combined with the broader $750 million potential from the state and focused utility partnerships, Canandaigua can begin a phased, strategic infrastructure modernization needed to accommodate housing growth and new business demands. Without investment, the electric grid constraints will continue to bottleneck development, risking long-term economic and population growth.

Stay tuned for updates on Canandaigua's journey to address its electric infrastructure issues and support its growing economy.

Source: FingerLakes1.com

Note: This article is generated by AI and may not contain all the latest updates.

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