Funds earmarked for the GCEDC to develop an agri-park off Route 5 in the Town of Batavia has finally been released and construction could resume within weeks, according to Chad Zambito.
Immediately, GCEDC is getting $2 million from Empire State Development and another $1 million is expected to come from the DOT. The phase 1-funding will be used for building infrastructure for the park -- roads, sewer, water, gas and electricity.
“To some extent it’s old news because it was announced, but it is a huge relief because we didn’t know where we stood with the state under its current situation," said Zambito.
The funds were originally committed to the project by former Governor Elliott Spitzer and in anticipation of securing the money, some construction work has already begun. Zambito said the GCEDC hopes to complete phase 1 by the end of the year.
A Canadian firm is hoping to open a $15 million processing plant, employing 100 people, Zambito, pending securing its own financing.
Last year, CCEDC staff told the Batavia City Council the Agri-Park, when fully built out, could be worth $1.5 billion in economic growth Genesee County.
Phase 1 development covers about 200 acres, while the park could eventually cover 300 acres.
