By Paul Post<\/p>\n
Washington County officials are pursuing several efforts to strengthen the local economy, from industrial development to tourism initiatives tied to America 250.<\/p>\n
But the county faces one overriding challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe loss of our single largest employer, Great Meadow prison, continues to impact the local economy,\u201d said Laura Oswald, county director of economic development. \u201cWe are currently working on several initiatives that aim to foster the growth of private-sector industries to mitigate the loss of 659 public-sector jobs as well as working with the state to find possible solutions for redevelopment of the site.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe governor has proposed a constitutional amendment that would facilitate redevelopment of prisons within Forest Preserve communities, but unfortunately Great Meadow is not among those proposed for inclusion, which severely limits redevelopment options.\u201d<\/p>\n
County officials recently secured approval from Empire State Development to establish a land bank.<\/p>\n
A land bank allows the county to acquire, manage and return distressed, county-owned or donated properties to productive use, reducing blight, stabilizing property values and creating opportunities for housing and community development.<\/p>\n
The program would not apply to Great Meadow but could help revitalize other sites throughout the county.<\/p>\n
\u201cA land bank allows us to turn challenges into opportunities and position our county for sustainable growth,\u201d said Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Henke of Argyle.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/b>The county also launched a new economic development website that centralizes key business and workforce resources. The site gives small-business owners and entrepreneurs access to support services and resources while connecting job seekers and employers with workforce programs, training partners and job opportunities.<\/p>\n It also features short videos highlighting local employers.<\/p>\n Another major development opportunity is Canalside Energy Park, the site of a former PCB dewatering facility off Route 196 in Fort Edward. The property, owned by the Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency, has undergone major infrastructure upgrades with additional improvements planned to prepare it for a large-scale industrial user.<\/p>\n Approvals to enhance the site\u2019s water connection are expected this spring, with construction anticipated this summer and fall. Early engineering work has also begun on a new natural gas connection with National Grid.<\/p>\n \u201cAs infrastructure planning advances, Canalside Energy Park is becoming one of the region\u2019s most promising opportunities for large-scale investment and job creation,\u201d said Chuck Barton, the IDA\u2019s chief executive officer. \u201cWith strong state and federal support and excellent regional partnerships, we are positioning the site to attract a major company to Fort Edward and Washington County.\u201d<\/p>\n The IDA has retained Berkshire Hathaway Blake Commercial Realty to market the site to potential users.<\/p>\n Tourism also holds significant untapped economic potential in Washington County, and officials are working to expand that sector.<\/p>\n \u201cIn addition to continuing to promote our shops and restaurants, we are making efforts to increase tourism by marketing our numerous short-term rental options that include traditional bed and breakfasts, glamping sites, farm stays and more,\u201d Oswald said. \u201cBetween the hundreds of short-term rentals and various agritourism experiences, we are perfectly positioned to accommodate today\u2019s traveler who values authentic experiences and sustainable travel. In turn, these overnight guests will support the shops and restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n The county is also supporting the Washington County 250th Commemoration Committee as the nation prepares to celebrate America\u2019s 250th birthday. Several events have already taken place, with more planned.<\/p>\n The committee hosted events throughout 2025, including Living History Weekend, and Washington County participated in the Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery reenactment in December.<\/p>\n For 2026, organizers are planning a History Festival at the Washington County Fairgrounds on July 11-12. The free immersive event will offer educational and family-friendly activities including living history demonstrations, displays, music, wagon rides and food vendors.<\/p>\n Whitehall will also host a Naval Heritage Weekend on Oct. 2-3 as part of the America 250 celebration. The event will highlight the community\u2019s shipbuilding legacy and Benedict Arnold\u2019s fleet, connecting visitors to the origins of the U.S. Navy and Whitehall\u2019s role in maritime history.<\/p>\n It will feature tours, nationally recognized speakers, family programming and community celebrations.<\/p>\n Looking beyond 2026, Oswald said Washington County has growth opportunities across several sectors. \u201cAgriculture remains a cornerstone, with room to expand value-added products,\u201d she said. \u201cManufacturing and advanced production remain our largest industry sector and continue to thrive, particularly in metal fabrication, paper, mineral and wood products. Healthcare and wellness services are growing to meet community needs, including the recent opening of Hudson Headwaters in Salem.\u201d<\/p>\n Retail also remains a key part of the local economy, supported by a strong network of small businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cThe manufacturing, retail and healthcare industries currently account for close to 60 percent of all jobs in the county,\u201d Oswald said. \u201cAdditionally, entrepreneurial enterprises are gaining traction, providing opportunities for innovative startups and service-oriented companies. The new Economic Development web pages provide resources for all of these sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n More information is available at https:\/\/washingtoncounty.fun\/doing-business\/.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Paul Post Washington County officials are pursuing several efforts to strengthen the local economy, from industrial development to tourism initiatives tied to America 250. But the county faces one overriding challenge. \u201cThe loss of our single largest employer, Great Meadow prison, continues to impact the local economy,\u201d said Laura Oswald, county director of economic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-economical-development"],"yoast_head":"\r\n