FISHKILL >> Clothing retailer Gap Inc. will invest $96 million in its southern Dutchess County distribution center and add as many as 1,200 jobs at the site over the next five years, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and local officials announced Monday.
Cuomo, in a press release, said Gap considered other locations across the United States but ultimately chose to invest and grow in Fishkill, where it has operated for 14 years.
“Gap Inc.’s decision to invest in their Fishkill facility … is another sign that New York’s economy is on the move,” said Cuomo, a Democrat who is up for re-election in November. “By partnering with the private sector, our administration is attracting renewed interest from companies that are looking to expand, and as a result, New York is among the top states in the nation for job growth since the recession.
“Today’s announcement is proof that this approach is delivering results for New Yorkers, and I look forward to seeing it drive the regional economy for years to come,” Cuomo added.
The $96 million investment, which will include the purchase of new machinery and equipment, is being funded in part with up to $12 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits from the state, which are tied to job creation and investment commitments, Cuomo’s office said.
In addition, the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency is extending the existing payment-in-lieu-of-taxes, or PILOT, agreement for the facility.
Gap Inc. also will be eligible for a sales tax exemption as well as employee training assistance.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said Gap’s planned expansion demonstrates the economic viability of the county.
“It is just really a continued message that Dutchess is able to compete,” he said. “We have the right assets, the right resources, and we are focused very aggressively on job creation and economic development, and this is a major benefit to Dutchess County and those seeking jobs opportunities throughout the region.”
Dutchess County Economic Development Corp. President Catherine Maloney also cheered Gap’s announcement.
“The significant increase in employment will help reinvigorate the southern Dutchess economy,” she said.
Shawn Curran, Gap’s senior vice president of global logistics for Gap Inc., said in a prepared statement: “We are proud of our history as an employer in Fishkill. … With $96 million in capital investment and the addition of 1,200 new jobs by June of 2019, Fishkill will continue to be a priority for us.
“Our Fishkill Distribution Center Campus serves a vital role for us in providing great service to our customers throughout the Northeast, and we are thrilled with the growth opportunity for the community,” Curran said.
The Gap facility, a familiar site to drivers on Interstate 84, covers 2.3 million square feet at 110 Merritt Blvd. in Fishkill. It was built for about $162 million and currently has 428 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Mid-Hudson News Network contributed to this report.
