Nozzolio Announces $1.5 Million In Budget Proposal For Cornell Ag And Food Tech Park And Agricultural Experiment Station In Geneva

Albany – New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that Governor Pataki’s 2005-2006 Executive budget includes $1 million for the Cornell Agricultural and Food Technology Park and $500,000 for the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.

“The Ag-Tech Park is helping to solidify Geneva’s national standing and reputation as a major research center in the development of new technologies,” Senator Nozzolio said. “I commend Governor Pataki for his personal commitment to the Ag-Tech Park and his determination to make our region a national leader in agri-business, food sciences and biotechnology. With the Governor’s continued support, the Ag-Tech Park will put Geneva, Ontario County and the entire Finger Lakes region on the map for cutting edge research and provide high-tech jobs for our residents.”

Governor Pataki’s budget proposal includes $1 million from the State University of New York Capital Fund for environmental cleanup and site preparation at the Ag-Tech Park. The budget proposal also includes $500,000 from the Environmental Protection Fund for operating expenses at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.

Senator Nozzolio has been a strong supporter of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park and has worked closely with Governor George Pataki to help secure millions of dollars in State funding for the Central Finger Lakes Region’s educational institutions, local businesses and infrastructure improvements to assist with the research and development of high-tech products and innovations.

Last year, Senator Nozzolio joined Congressman Sherwood Boehlert to announce the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Congress’ recent selection of the City of Geneva as the site for a national Grape Genetics Facility, which was chosen over California’s Napa Valley. Funds for engineering have been awarded to the Ag-Tech Park for the USDA project, which when built is expected to create 30 new jobs.

“The Ag-Tech Park is sure to become a catalyst for job creation and economic development in the region. By promoting high-tech and research based industries we are positioning New York State to be an international leader in innovative and emerging technologies and creating jobs right here. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Pataki on this project and am extremely excited about the possibilities the Ag-Tech Park is creating for all residents in our area,” Senator Nozzolio concluded.