| Frequently Asked Questions |
The following are answers to the most common questions regarding Shovel Ready Certification. If you are unable to find the information you are seeking here, or elsewhere in our website, please refer to our Contact Information page.
| Q1. |
Is there any funding attached to the Shovel Ready
Certification? |
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A1: No, not at this time. Shovel Ready Certification is simply recognition and certification of the fact that your site is pre-Permitted and ready for a quick beginning to construction. You may, however, be eligible for funding by other entities. For example, National Grid has grants available to sites that have received Shovel Ready Certification. For details on amounts and eligible uses, please contact:
Linda Hill
National Grid
518- 433-3691
Email |
| Q2. |
What does Shovel Ready certification cover? Will there be addition Permitting required after certification is achieved?
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A2: Shovel Ready certification covers the basic State permits required for an economic development project of the type of development profile selected by the developer. Additional permits specific to the final end user of the site will be required. Shovel Ready certification does not eliminate the need for these or local permits, but can substantially reduce the overall Permitting time needed by acquiring many of the generic permits prior to a company showing interest in the site.
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| Q3. |
What do I get when my site becomes certified?
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A3: Successful applicants will receive a plaque to show that they are, in fact, Shovel Ready. They can also have a 3 foot by 4 foot road sign to proclaim that status to all who drive by their site. Sites often choose to have a press event to commemorate their achieving Shovel Ready Certification. Not only will Empire State Development (ESD) staff attend these events, our
Public Affairs Office will help prepare whatever press releases you may need.
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| Q4. |
How long does it take to become certified as Shovel Ready?
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A4: Once a complete application and binder of supporting information is received by ESD, the review will take about
90 days. If there are questions, missing documentation, or issues that arise with one of the regulating agencies, then you will be contacted immediately and advised how to proceed. The promptness of your response to such circumstances will determine how quickly we can get you certified. |
| Q5. |
Is there a special time period during which I have to send in the application for my site?
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A5: No, Shovel Ready Certification is an ongoing program
and applications can be submitted at any time. We encourage potential applicants to submit their materials to us as soon as their site meets the criteria, so that they may begin marketing it as Shovel Ready as soon as possible. |
| Q6. |
Is there any fee or charge associated with applying for Shovel Ready Certification? |
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A6: No. There have been no fees assessed for participating in the program.
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| Q7. |
Who can I contact for more information?
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A7: Brenda Grober, ESD - (518) 292-5340.
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For more specific information about the Shovel Ready program,
visit the resources below:
List of Certified Sites
Map of Site Locations
Program Impact
Becoming Shovel Ready Certified
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