SCHUMER: LIVINGSTON COUNTY SET TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $410,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO EXPAND CROSSROADS COMMERCE PARK – FUNDS WILL HELP BUILD NEW ACCESS ROAD AT BIZ PARK IN AVON THAT WILL LEAD TO NEW JOBS & BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

EDA Funds Will Help Build New Access Road at Commerce Park & Open Up 3 Shovel-Ready Build Sites for Companies That Plan to Create Jobs & Expand

Schumer: Funds Will Attract More Companies to Avon, Create Jobs & Help Anchor Development

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) has made a critical funding commitment for Livingston County and the Town of Avon to expand the Crossroads Commerce Park in Avon by building a new road and associated infrastructure throughout the park. Specifically, the new access road will open up three shovel-ready build sites, each about six acres, to enable two local companies to expand and attract one new company to relocate to Avon and add jobs. Schumer aided Livingston County and the Town of Avon through the EDA’s application process and helped arrange for the agency to visit the site earlier this year. Schumer announced today that, after his push and a rigorous merit review process by the EDA, the agency notified Livingston County that they would grant a $412,500 preliminary award pending receipt of final supporting documents. This will cover 50 percent of the total project cost, which is $825,000 and the final award is expected to be made by September 30, 2014.

“This federal investment will not only allow Livingston County to build an access road to expand the Crossroads Commerce Park in Avon, but also reinvigorate the entire area by paving the way for local businesses to get started and create jobs,” said Schumer. “I am thrilled to announce this funding commitment, which is needed to get this great economic development project underway. This expanded Crossroads Commerce Park will be the launching pad for a host of new companies pushing the entire region’s economic development potential to new heights.”

“Enthusiasm is high as we move forward with the expansion of the road/infrastructure in Crossroads Commerce Park which, with much appreciated assistance from the EDA, will create jobs and new development opportunities for Livingston County,” said Eric Gott, Chairman, Livingston County Board of Supervisors and IDA Board

Member.

“Our Industrial Development Agency has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to encouraging and pursuing opportunities for economic development in Livingston County. With this funding from EDA, we will see invaluable business and job growth,” said Julie Marshall, Executive Director, Livingston County IDA.

“EDA's investment in the Crossroads Commerce park is welcomed news for our regional economy and acknowledgement that Livingston County's dynamic workforce, strategic location, and attractive quality of life makes this a great place to do business,” said Ian Coyle, Livingston County Administrator.

With this funding, the Town of Avon and Livingston County can expand the Crossroads Commerce Park in Avon by building a new access road and associated infrastructure through the park.  This will make more of the park’s land open for development.  Specifically the road will open up three new shovel-ready build sites, each about six acres, to enable three companies to expand and add jobs. Two of the companies, Genesee Valley Motors and Evening Star Coffee Roasters, are existing Livingston county companies. The third is a manufacturer, Fox & West Inc. which is now based in the State of Wyoming but intends to locate a new 12- employee operation at this Livingston County business park due to this expansion.  Specifically Genesee Valley Motors, which already operates from a location at the Crossroads Commerce Park will now be able to accommodate further retail activity, creating five new full-time jobs.  Evening Star Coffee Roasters grinds and roasts coffee beans and sells and services industrial-sized coffee makers from its current location in Livingston County, which it is quickly outgrowing.  The business has experienced tremendous growth and needs to expand, creating two jobs to complement their three full time employees. 

This funding comes through the EDA Public Works Program, which provides funding for distressed communities to revitalize and upgrade physical infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, and diversify local economies. The Economic Adjustment Assistance Program helps address the needs of communities experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time cause by international trade, long-term economic deterioration, loss of major community employer, or loss of manufacturing jobs. Funding can be used for infrastructure improvements like sewers.

Senator Schumer wrote a letter of support to the EDA for this project in April.  

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