Seward Announces Local Economic Development Grants

LITTLE FALLS, 11/9/05 -- At a press conference today in Little Falls with the Herkimer County IDA and local officials, Senator James L. Seward today unveiled $100,000 in economic development initiatives through the state senate that will help retain and boost jobs in Herkimer County.

Seward announced $50,000 for an expansion of N.E.P. Glass in a new location in the Town of Little Falls and $50,000 for Empire Fibreglass Products of Little Falls to acquire more production area.

The funds, which will be administered by the Herkimer County IDA, will assist N.E.P. glass in acquiring, constructing and equipping a 5,800 square foot facility in Little Falls. N.E.P. Glass currently employs 22 workers and plans to create 12 more. N.E. P. Glass is a commercial glazing contractor, which fabricates frames for commercial window applications.

Empire Fibreglass Products produces fiberglass products, including floating process equipment, storage tanks, ventilating systems and "dock boxes" for waterfront marinas. The grant will facilitate an expansion of the company's facility in a building adjacent to the industrial park. The expansion will help retain 38 current positions and create 10 new jobs over the next three years.

"The funding will help retain and grow jobs in the Mohawk Valley," Senator Seward said. "We have good local companies that want to stay and expand in New York, and hire more workers. This announcement is good news for local jobs, workers and local payrolls. I commend the Herkimer County IDA and county, town and city officials for their efforts to support local manufacturing jobs and keep employers right here in Herkimer County."

Total investment in the projects, both public and private, is expected to top $875,000.

"We have a terrific economic development team in Herkimer County that works with the state legislature to boost jobs and improve the quality of life for area residents," Seward concluded.

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