National Grid Economic Development Program Support Redevelopment Plans at Former Paper Mill in Deferiet
Paper manufacturing was once the heartbeat of Deferiet. The site of what was once a major employer in Northern New York is ready for redevelopment, in part, from an economic development incentive provided by National Grid.
The company awarded the Development Authority of the North Country and Jefferson County a $300,000 grant from its Brownfield Redevelopment Program in September 2023 to support remediation efforts at the former St. Regis Paper Mill. Work on the project was completed in 2026 and company officials joined representatives from DANC, Jefferson County and the village of Deferiet to commemorate its completion.
Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s Regional Director of External Affairs, said: “National Grid’s economic development programs are designed to help communities turn long-standing challenges into new opportunities. The former St. Regis Paper Mill was once central to Deferiet’s economy, and this project clears the way for the site to again support investment, growth and community progress. We are proud to work with DANC, Jefferson County and local leaders to help prepare this property for its next chapter.”
Bill Johnson, Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators, said: “This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when public and private partners work together toward a common goal. The former St. Regis Paper Mill was once the economic engine of Deferiet. Today, thanks to the commitment of Jefferson County, DANC, and National Grid, the site is positioned to attract new investment, support future job creation and contribute to the continued growth of Northern New York.”
Nancy Dutton, Village of Deferiet Mayor, said: "This grant is a major milestone for Deferiet. Since the mill closed over 20 years ago, the property has been a constant reminder of the past and a safety hazard for local children. We are deeply grateful for everything Jefferson County has done to make this first phase of the cleanup possible. As we look ahead, we are excited to determine the best use for this site to ensure it serves our community's future."
Carl Farone, Jr., Development Authority of the North Country’s Executive Director, said “The Development Authority of the North Country was proud to support Jefferson County with the cleanup of the former Deferiet Paper Mill site. With its proximity to key infrastructure, this parcel presents an opportunity for future development and investment. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and remain committed to supporting Jefferson County in an effort to bring new life and economic opportunity to this site.”
Brownfields, when left unaddressed, can create environmental, legal and financial challenges for communities and taxpayers. When restored, they can support economic growth, job creation and community revitalization. National Grid’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program provides grants for utility-related infrastructure improvements, demolition and other costs needed to advance the redevelopment of brownfield sites and abandoned buildings.
“Brownfield redevelopment is one of the most important ways we can help communities move from legacy challenges to future opportunity,” said Katie Newcombe, National Grid’s Director of Economic Development. “National Grid’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program helps remove barriers that can stand in the way of reuse, investment and job creation. Across upstate New York, our economic development programs are designed to work alongside local and regional partners to strengthen communities, support business growth and prepare sites like the former St. Regis Paper Mill for productive new use.”
The St. Regis Paper Mill opened in 1901, and the village of Deferiet came to life around it. The mill was a leading employer in the region, merging with Champion International and later was sold to the Deferiet Paper Company, before closing in 2004.
Remediation of the property was extensive. Demolition, which began in April 2025, took 10 months and included the removal of 17 buildings. Crews removed 28,000 tons of asbestos-containing material. Coal dust in the boiler building’s hopper required testing to ensure safe removal. Other waste was found in structures that acted as a retaining wall for an access road on the property. Workers also regraded the property to eliminate drop-offs in elevation and ready the space for building.
Economic Development Programs at National Grid
Since 2003, National Grid’s Upstate NY economic development grant funding has helped create or retain more than 82,000 jobs and leverage more than $13.1 billion in other private and public investment. More information about National Grid’s suite of programs is available at www.shovelready.com
About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 20 million people across New York and Massachusetts. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs and supporting economic growth across the regions we serve—providing safe, reliable energy today and building the resilient networks of the future. National Grid Ventures, our commercial business, develops and operates infrastructure that delivers affordable and reliable energy to consumers. National Grid Partners, our corporate investment and innovation arm, invests in and collaborates with technology companies that are transforming the energy sector and accelerating industry-wide innovation.
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