Seward Delivers Infrastructure Improvement Funds to Schoharie County

CENTRAL BRIDGE, 02/26/18 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today joined representatives from Hoober Feeds and officials from Schoharie County to announce a $200,000 state grant to fund upgrades to the rail line in Central Bridge. 

“Modern, functional infrastructure is key to ensuring our businesses can compete and grow,” said Senator Seward.  “This $200,000 grant will pay immediate dividends by boosting employment at Hoober Feeds and will create additional expansion opportunities at other Schoharie County businesses.  This project has the added bonus of enhancing two heritage industries –agriculture and freight rail – that have meant so much to our region.”

Hoober Feeds President Bradley Wagner said, “The rail siding project is vital to expanding our operations in Schoharie County.  Senator Seward’s support is greatly appreciated and will help us build on our commitment to providing high quality feeds to hard working farmers.  We are dedicated to the agriculture industry and this grant allows us to take another step forward in providing affordable feed and eventually food to our country.  We are thankful for the warm welcome extended to Hoober Feeds from Senator Seward, Supervisor Tague, and our neighbors in and around Schoharie County.  We work in a great industry with great folks.”

Town of Schoharie Supervisor Chris Tague said, “As we work to grow our local economy we must be able to compete with other parts of the state and the country.  Upgrades to our infrastructure will help our local business succeed.  Senator Seward is a strong proponent of growth in Schoharie County and this grant is another prime example of his consistent support.  I look forward to continuing to partner with Senator Seward to keep Schoharie moving forward.”

The $200,000 grant secured by Senator Seward will be used to install rail siding along Norfolk Southern Rail that will allow Hoober Feeds to receive ingredients by rail.  With the increase in shipments, Hoober Feeds will be able to expand its operations with plans to add 4-5 employees to facilitate the growth.

“I have consistently partnered with businesses and local economic agencies throughout the 51st Senate District to meet their needs and help them thrive.  State government must work with our job creators to increase opportunities for growth – by investing state dollars where there is a demonstrated need and by advancing policies that lower the cost of doing business and encourage economic development,” Seward concluded. 

The grant is through the New York State Department of Transportation multi-modal program and will be administered by Schoharie County. 

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