DEKALB -- Corning, Inc. will expand its DeKalb plant with a $21.5 million project and add 40 jobs with the proposed allocation of 2,100 kilowatts of electric power from the New York Power Authority, the authority said in a memorandum dated today.

The power allocation is part of the Preservation Power program that allows businesses in northern New York to be served with low-cost hydroelectric power from the authority’s St. Lawrence/FDR Power Project on the St. Lawrence River.

Corning submitted an application for 4,000 kilowatts to provide power for its planned increased level of manufacture of glass and mirror products at Corning Canton, its plant in DeKalb.

Corning’s Canton facility, built in 1966, manufactures optical glass for the semiconductor, astronomical, defense and commercial markets., according to the NYPA memo. Two products produced at the facility are high purity fused silica and ultra-low expansion glass.

The facility already receives a 2,260 kW allocation of power from the authority.

The Canton facility employs 234 full-time workers and "it should be noted that 40 to 50 jobs have been added since the beginning of the year as planning and preparation for this project began to gain momentum," the memo said.

"The company commits to create 40 new, high-paying jobs over three years as a result of this expansion project," the power authority said.

"Corning is working with ESD on an incentive package and has been approved for a sales and use tax exemption and real property tax abatement from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (“IDA”). An allocation of hydropower will help support this Canton facility expansion, bringing 40 new, well-paying manufacturing and technology jobs to the North Country," the memo said.

NYPA staff is recommending the 2,100 kW allocation for seven years in return for the plant investment and the creation of 40 jobs.

A public hearing is to be held on the plan, and the governor's approval of the plan is required, the NYPA memo said.