Senator Gallivan Announces Re-Allocation of Funds for Economic Development Project in Wyoming County

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) says New York State has agreed to his request to re-allocate nearly $617,000 in multi-modal grant funding for a multi-modal transportation project in the Town of Gainesville.  Plans call for construction of a rail switch, rail siding and access road along the main line of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad near the intersection of state routes 19 and 19A.  The facility, which will be managed by the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency, will allow for more efficient and cost effective transportation of products in and out of the of the area and will serve businesses throughout Wyoming County.       

“This project has great potential,” Gallivan said.  “The facility will not only support and grow existing businesses; it will help attract new industry, particularly those in agriculture and manufacturing.” 

Several area businesses have already expressed interest in using the proposed facility. 

“The state’s investment in this project, combined with funding from the IDA and Wyoming County, will allow this facility to become an economic driver, securing current jobs and creating the potential for new ones,” said A. D. Berwanger, Chairman of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors.  “I commend Senator Gallivan for working to keep this money in Wyoming County.” 

State funding for the project stems from a $1.3 million multi-modal grant awarded by the Department of Transportation to the county in 2009.  A portion of the grant was used to relocate 2,300 feet of Arcade & Attica Railroad track to allow for the expansion of Koike Aronson, a local manufacturer of metal cutting and welding equipment.  The rail project was completed in 2012, using $683,059 from the original state grant.  Koike Aronson’s expansion was completed in 2013 and allowed for the retention of 146 jobs and the creation of 15 new positions.

At the request of Senator Gallivan, the balance of the state grant, $616,941, is being re-allocated to support the Gainesville project.

“The grant was awarded to Wyoming County and it’s critical that the county and local businesses benefit from the full investment,” Gallivan said.

“We are delighted that after much delay the DOT funding commitment will get reinstated and we can begin moving forward on building the multi modal rail facility that will greatly enhance Wyoming County’s business community,” said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County IDA.  “A great deal of appreciation goes to Senator Gallivan and Chairman Berwanger for their tireless pursuit of these funds that are critical to this project.”

Additional funding for the Gainesville project includes $313,837 from the IDA and Wyoming County.  Long range plans for the site include the construction of warehousing, storage bins and material handling systems.

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