OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda The Colonial Squire Motel in Ripley is being demolished and replaced with a Love’s Travel Stop.

RIPLEY – Construction on a new travel center in Ripley can begin in April.

At its monthly board meeting on Tuesday, the board of directors of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency unanimously voted to provide tax incentives for Love’s Travel Stop and Country Stores, Inc. The project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art, 22,000-square-foot travel center building on 16 acres at 6201 Shortman Road and 6151 in town. The travel center will include a grocery store, fuel islands, a restaurant, a repair center and related services.

“This is a great project for the Ripley City, region and state.” said Mark Geise, managing director of CCIDA. “This area was looking for a project like this as it would replace the run-down Colonial Hotel at the gateway to our beautiful county and state. In addition to the dozens of jobs created by this facility, Love’s pays taxes, and the Community Host Agreement will provide the City of Ripley with the resources it needs to upgrade its water and sanitation infrastructure. I greet the family of love in our region. “

“The Project of Love is a powerful step in the Ripley City Trade Corridor for Economic Development.” explained Doug Bowen, Ripley City Warden. “The Host Community Agreement, which benefits Ripley’s municipal water and wastewater development, is very much appreciated.”

Love’s offers services that are not otherwise available in the region, and attracts customers in and out of the region. The estimated $ 12 million investment in this project is expected to bring over $ 30 million in combined regional and regional economic benefits to New York State over the life of the PILOT.

“Love’s is excited about the opportunity to open a new travel center at the gateway to New York State.” said Rick Shuffield, vice president of real estate and development at Love’s. “CCIDA played a key role in why we were able to continue development and we look forward to being part of the local community.”

The new facility, which is expected to lay its foundation stone in April 2021 and will be completed by the end of the year, will create around 100 temporary construction jobs and more than 40 new permanent jobs.

County Executive PJ Wendel said: “I hope that this project will open up this area for future developments that fit into the structure of our district and our region. I know CCIDA has worked closely with Love’s and the City of Ripley to develop a project that will benefit everyone involved, and I am grateful for that. “

Love’s was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City. With over 530 locations in 41 states, they employ more than 28,000 people nationwide.

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