BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The former General Motors property in Massena is on the market with a new designation that officials hope will make the site even more attractive for prospective companies looking to set up shop in the North Country.

The 210-acre location, which was designated a Superfund site after GM closed the plant in 2008, has been cleaned up of harmful PCBs and contamination after decades of production.

The cleanup was undertaken by the federal RACER trust, which took a decade to secure funding and clean up the site.

Hundreds lost their jobs when GM closed their doors but federal, state and local officials have held out hope that a buyer will come along to redevelop the site again.

Most recently, a buyer was lined up to take over the property, however that deal eventually fell through, officials said.

Now, officials with rail company CSX have placed it on the Select Site Program list for redevelopment, one of only 18 such locations in the entire U.S.

Given the proximity to the border, as well as rail access on site, officials say they hope it will make the location even more attractive for prospective buyers.

“Each Select Site reflects months of collaboration with landowners, counties, and utility partners that now represent a significant opportunity for economic growth,” said Kellen Riley, CSX Senior Director of Industrial Development. “By bringing these sites to market with the right due diligence already in place, we’re making it faster and easier for manufacturers to invest, build, and create jobs for local communities.”

The designation marks a turning point for the property, which is now amongst a list of other high-ranking properties to receive the CSX Select Site designation under the industrial development program.

Massena is listed as a bronze level site, along with 13 other locations.

The Jacksonville, Florida, based CSX have touted the program in recent years after four existing Select Sites have increased their site readiness since the last round of candidates were awarded in 2024.

Sites on the list can be upgraded to gold, silver and bronze designations through further site preparations, officials said.

Officials say they hope the new designation, coupled with the ease of rail access, close proximity to Canada and ample space to set up operations will lead to a new firm coming to the area.

The site was under contract for five years before the prospect terminated the agreement due to a lack of power that met their requirements, RACER officials said.

Manufacturing, warehouse logistics and shipping and receiving companies are the primary industries that may find the site appealing, however officials say there are ample opportunities available for other industries to come to the region.

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