Senate Budget Proposal Contains $40 Million To Locate New York State Food Laboratory In Geneva

Albany— New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio has announced that the State Senate’s budget plan released today has appropriated $40 million for the construction of a new State food laboratory at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva. The final approval for construction of the food laboratory will be decided during upcoming budget negotiations between the State Legislature and the Governor.

“The construction of the New York State food laboratory at the Ag-Tech Park is a major component of my continued efforts to make Geneva an international leader in agricultural research,” said Senator Nozzolio. “The Senate Budget announced today is a good first step and I remain committed to fighting to locate the food laboratory in Geneva and further solidifying the Ag-Tech Park’s national standing and reputation as a major research center.”

Senator Nozzolio has been an ardent supporter of locating the new food laboratory in Geneva and aggressively worked to secure $40 million in funding in the Senate budget plan. The 2007-2008 Senate budget plan appropriates $40 million for the construction of the food laboratory in Geneva. The funding would be used for acquiring property at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, appraisals, surveys, environmental impact studies and design and construction services.

Senator Nozzolio has led a campaign to gain public support for locating the food laboratory in Geneva. As part of the Senator’s efforts, the Ontario County Legislature and the Geneva City Council have adopted resolutions in support of the food laboratory.

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