STW Program Areas

  • ARC/EDA Funding
  • Broadband Development
  • Clean Energy Communities
  • Economic Development
  • EDA Cares Act
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Local Foods 
  • Local Government & Community Assistance
  • Water Source Management

Assistance with Project Funding

​Southern Tier West represents Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties as a Local Development District (LDD) for the Appalachian Region Commission (ARC), and as an Economic Development District (EDD) under the US Economic Development Administration (EDA).  ​

Southern Tier West annually solicits grant proposals for regionally significant projects through the Appalachia Regional Commission's (ARC) Areas Development Program.  Review priorities are given for projects that will advance the goals and objectives of the Appalachian Regional Commission and at least one of New York State's Implementing Strategies for the investment of ARC's federal funding within the region.  Southern Tier West seeks a diverse range of project proposals from area non-for-profit organizations and municipalities and provides individualized technical assistance to work with the applicants in the development of grant proposals that meet the region's eligibility requirements and exemplify measurable outcomes that support both ARC's and New York State's development goals.
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Broadband Development

​Southern Tier West is currently working under an ARC Power Grant to install antennas and towers within Allegany County.

Clean Energy Communities

New York State is trying to reach its Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the State's electricity to come from renewable resources by 2030.  STW is assisting communities to complete at least four out of ten high-impact actions, making them eligible to apply for funding of up to $250,000  with no local costs of receiving up to 25% paid in advance to support additional clean energy projects. ​

Economic Development

​Southern Tier West annually undertakes a comprehensive economic development strategic planning process for the region, leading to the annual publication of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document, a strategic economic development plan for the region that provides direction for diversifying and strengthening our region's economy.  The CEDS analyzes our region's economy, specifies regional goals and objectives, specifies a regional plan of action for achieving these goals and objectives (i.e. strategies for doing so), and identifies priority projects and funding sources to implement these strategies.  Southern Tier West continuously accepts input and content suggestions for the CEDS.

Southern Tier West assists the Economic Development Administration EDA in providing funding for economic development projects in the region through planning, project development assistance, financial priorities, project monitoring, and program and project evaluation. Occasionally, STW will sponsor an EDA-funded project.

Topical Planning - Southern Tier West frequently undertakes planning related to specific economic development, community development, or regional development topics.  In many cases, these planning processes lead to reports or study documents.  CLICK HERE to view our planning documents.

Small Business Finance - STW helps businesses to conceptualize and develop their projects and maximize the probability of success; and assemble financial packages of funding that meet their needs.  Southern Tier West also administers a small business loan programs operated by affiliates STEDO and WRC.  Through these organizations, STW helps businesses obtain funding for their projects, often in conjunction with other public and private funding sources.

EDA CARES Act

​In July 2020, Southern Tier West accepted a grant award in the amount of $400,000 for the EDA Cares Act Grant.  The components of the grant include an online resiliency plan in coordination with the Southern Tier West CEDS Document, in conjunction with the county planning boards; the manufacturers productivity improvement program; and the ecommerce enhancement for small businesses.

Geographic Information Systems

  STW GIS/GPS services include:
  • General Mapping
  • Needs Assessments
  • Data/database Development
  • Data Conversion
  • ARC IMS Integration
  • Demographic Analysis
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Project Planning and Management
  • Application Development of GPS Data Collection 
  • Drone Services (creation of base maps, digital elevation models, and high-resolution photography for inspections and tourism)

Local Foods

​Southern Tier West received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to enhance local food efforts across the southern tier region.  The program demonstrates the nutritional, economical, and environmental benefits of consuming locally grown produce and locally made goods.  Program activities include maintaining the 'Local Foods: From the Ground Up' website that list the producers and farmers markets with their product and contact information; providing education and outreach to consumers and producers to expand and develop the local food system in our region; and providing support for creation of community gardens in the region.

Local Government Services

Southern Tier West's Community Assistance Program assists municipal officials to enhance their skills and competencies through technical assistance and training programs.

Water Source Management

​STW established a Watershed Coalition to assist in developing a Watershed Management Program to implement various projects and improve stormwater management practices through training and demonstrations.  The Watershed Coalition is comprised of 25 agencies from within Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties.  An Education Committee was established through the Coalition membership.