By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Two hotel projects, along with a pair of manufacturing plants and another key item for the proposed Verizon data center, were approved by the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.

Combined, the projects would represent $5 billion in new investment in the county in coming years.

"This flurry of activity represents an unprecedented level of economic development activity in Niagara County, where hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in our community by local, national and international businesses," said Henry Sloma, IDA chairman.

Among the projects and actions approved by IDA directors:

• They agreed to set a public hearing to consider allowing AES Corp. to transfer 180 acres to Verizon for its proposed data center in Barker. The center, which represents a long-term, potential $4.5 billion investment by Verizon, could create 200 permanent jobs and 500 construction jobs while the complex is being built.

Niagara County is vying with other states for the center.

If built, it could represent $110 million in new tax revenues for several Niagara County communities over the next two decades. IDA officials are working on possible scheduling dates for the public hearing. The project remains the subject of a lawsuit filed by an Amherst resident who owns property near the site.

• Greenpac Mill received an abatement package to help finance construction and development of a green manufacturing facility on Royal Avenue in Niagara Falls. The company is eyeing an 18-acre site for a planned $400 million project. The plant, which will produce high-performance, energy-efficient, lightweight liner boards for corrugated box makers, could see 110 new jobs, plus 400 construction jobs.

• Edwards Vacuum also received an abatement package for construction of a 55,000-square-foot plant in Wheatfield. The $6.9 million project will see the company add 25 jobs while retaining another 100 workers.

• A $4.9 million inducment package was approved for Vishal Co. to help with plans to buy and demolish the Sunrise Inn at 6335 Niagara Falls Blvd. and replace it with a 66-room Ramada Inn.

• Niagara Falls Hospitality Inc. was approved for a $4.3 million inducement package that will see the company raze the former Captain's Cove bar and restaurant at 7726 Niagara Falls Blvd. A 75-room Microtel hotel is planned for the site.

"Despite the significant economic challenges in our region, our agency has the tools and resources to create a competitive business climate that is luring new jobs and investment," Sloma said.