Press Release

Standing at Alpina Yogurt Construction Site, Gillibrand Announces Support of Federal Investment into Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park

Jul 3, 2012

Batavia, NY – While touring the nearly completed Alpina Yogurt facility, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today urged the U.S. Economic Development Administration to approve funding for the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC). The funding would be used to complete infrastructure developments in the Genesee Valley Agri-Buniness Park (Ag-Park). The increase in infrastructure would bolster real estate development investments, which could lead to a sustainable long-term economy for the region.

“Investing in the infrastructure at the Genesse Valley Agri-business Park would make a considerable difference in helping new businesses move and expand in Batavia,” said Senator Gillibrand, the first New York Senator to service on the Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. “The funding would help put more people to work and draw more businesses into the community.

“We are truly grateful for Senator Gillibrand’s support for this critically important infrastructure for the Ag-Park,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO, GCEDC.  “With anchor tenants already in place as well as continued enhancements to the site the Ag-Park will continue to bring new jobs and investment to the region.  We look forward to further collaborations with the Senator on other economic development projects in Genesee County that will create new jobs for residents in Western New York and the Finger Lakes region.”

The infrastructure improvement consists of construction on an aquifer that is required by food processors. Muller Quaker Dairy, an international yogurt producer, and Alpina Foods would greatly benefit from the completion of the aquifer and would contribute to an increased investment in Genesee County. Upon the completion of the infrastructural improvements to the Ag-Park, Muller Quaker Dairy would be able to complete a $206 million yogurt manufacturing facility that they expect could generate approximately 186 jobs in the near-term, with the ability to create up to 600 jobs in the long-term. Alpina also expects to be able to create approximately 50 new jobs as a result of finishing the construction.

The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter is below:

Mr. Willie C. Taylor
Regional Director, Philadelphia Regional Office
Economic Development Administration
601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3323

Dear Mr. Taylor,

I write in support of the application submitted by the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) for funding from the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This funding will be used to complete infrastructure improvements at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park (Ag-Park) in the Town of Batavia, NY.

The Genesee County Local Development Corporation’s mission is to assist local economic development efforts by making real estate development investments to bolster shovel-ready tech and industrial park development. The Corporation also provides tax and other related financial assistance to commercially viable projects in Genesee County, enabling the continued development of a sustainable long-term economy for the region. The current infrastructure improvement project at the Ag-Park is required to be completed before an international yogurt producer, Muller Quaker Dairy, can complete a $206 million yogurt manufacturing facility.

The requested funding will be used to finish construction on an aquifer direct water system required by food processors. The aquifer system will not only benefit Muller Quaker Dairy but will also be utilized by Alpina Foods, the first tenant in the Ag-Park. Muller Quaker Dairy will bring significant economic impact to the region with the creation of approximately 186 jobs. This funding would significantly enhance the regions long term economic development and lead to greater investment in Genesee County.