Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced the Empire State Development Corporation has approved a $44,500 grant for the New York Wine and Grape Foundation to conduct a study on establishing a Hudson River Valley Wine and Culinary Center.
"I fully support this project," said Senator Larkin. "The study will outline a plan to improve the economic viability of family farms in our region. It will help promote our area’s grape products--juices, jellies, wines and fruits. I am very excited about the potential of a Hudson Valley Wine and Culinary Center. It would increase local tourism, bring jobs to Orange and Ulster Counties and create an excellent opportunity for our local growers to showcase their products."
A steering committee of Hudson Valley residents has been overseeing the study which is being conducted by Fairweather Consulting Group of New Paltz. The group will report to the New York Wine and Grape Foundation on issues such as market statistics; success factors; potential regional partners, investors and sponsors; economic impact; marketing and advertising; potential siting of the center; and a timetable for construction and operation.
The study is expected to be completed by December 31, 2007.
