The Genesee County Economic Development Center is laying the groundwork for the creation of the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP), a megaproject that could create an estimated 9,000 jobs for the region. The county is looking at a 1,336-acre site in Alabama township for the proposed science and tech park, according to Buffalo News City & Region.
In a development that could take 10 to 15 years to reach its potential, STAMP would be the site of an advanced manufacturer of solar panels, computer chips and flat TV panel displays. It is modeled after a similar park in Saratoga County. Alabama, with a population of 1,900, is also home to the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. STAMP would abut the reservation, and officials say they will meet with tribal leaders to address any concerns about the project.
The proposed site is now farmland and is near protected resources, including three large wildlife refuges—the 10,818-acre Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, which spills into Orleans and Niagara counties and two others operated by New York state.
Earlier this month, the county center approved a 50-page scoping report that addresses dozens of topics, ranging from ecology and land use to economic benefits to Western New York. The project would include parking for 1,000 vehicles offset by 400 acres set aside for green space and a buffer zone. Provisions also must be made for providing sewer and water—up to 20,000 gallons per day—and minimizing noise and traffic congestion in a rural area.
The Economic Development Center was reorganized in 1979 from a county industrial development agency. It has built business parks in Batavia, Bergen and Pembroke.
