WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A solar panel factory in the works since 2021 now looks like it may not happen in the North Country. Convalt Energy’s land development agreement for its project next to the Watertown International Airport expired in November. The company wasn’t able to secure financing.
“I would probably use the term of we’re moving forward with this site for any opportunity. That includes Convalt if possible,” said Marshall Weir, Jefferson County Economic Development CEO.
Lowville’s Kraft Heinz plant stopped making one of its products this year.
The Kraft and Polly-o string cheese lines were shut down in November as part of a 2021 agreement to sell Kraft’s natural cheese business to another company.
The remnants of Hurricane Debby took a toll on Potsdam Specialty Paper in August. Production was stopped after flood damage caused extensive electrical issues. 35-40 production workers were laid off.
“They are a mainstay. They’ve been here for more than 100 years in one form or another, so we want to see them get back into production as quickly as possible,” said Patrick Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency.
Hundreds of healthcare jobs and pensions were saved as a 2023 deal between Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center moved forward. Carthage officially started running the Ogdensburg hospital as Claxton expanded its mental health care in the community.
In February, we visited Cives Steel as 12,000 tons of steel products were being made for the new Buffalo Bills stadium. It’s the biggest project in Cives Northern Division’s history.
“It’s exciting to know we’re putting up a big stadium for the NFL, and it’s all being done in New York State. And a large chunk of it in Gouverneur, New York,” said Tyler Estabrooks, General Manager of Cives Steel Northern Division.
A few Watertown businesses shut their doors. Red Lobster closed abruptly in May, leaving employees stunned.
“Very emotional. It’s been a very rough day today,” said employee Agnes Towsley.
Manufacturer Timeless Frames told employees in September it would shut down after 25 years in business.
And after more than a century open, Morrison’s Furniture in downtown Watertown announced it would close by the end of the year.
But as some doors closed, ground was broken on other North Country projects.
In October, work started at the site of a new hydrogen plant in Massena. Air products will produce hydrogen by using water from the St. Lawrence River. It’s being built on more than 80 acres and is expected to create 90 jobs.
A couple of vacant recreational properties went up for auction. Big Tupper Ski Area in Tupper Lake and Bonnie Castle Recreation Center in the Town of Alexandria were sold to the highest bidders. People in both communities are anxious to see the properties put back in use.
“I would love to see it open up as a ski center and I would love to see the development happen that was planned for it, you know, just so it could help our tax base,” said Tupper Town Supervisor Rick Dattola.
And the anticipation of microchip manufacturer Micron near Syracuse is being felt locally.
College officials are ready to train the workforce.
“It’s very exciting. It’s very exciting for our community to have the opportunity to provide some of the roles that they will need there. Those are very good-paying jobs and it’s what we need,” said Jefferson Community College President Dan Dupee.
Looking ahead to 2025, expansion projects are underway at both the Watertown and Ogdensburg airports and are expected to wrap up.
Airport officials say it will bring a new and improved experience for travelers and the possibility of new economic opportunities for the area.
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