Federal funds for Batavia yogurt plant

BATAVIA, NY - Uncle Sam has given approval for $58,000 in federal funds to help develop infrastructure changes for a Batavia yogurt plant.

Senator Charles Schumer announced that the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation is set to receive the money for upgrades to the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, the site of Alpina Foods.

The new yogurt plant is expected to pave the way for 50 new jobs once extended sewer and water facility changes are made to the building.

“Our rural communities are the heart and soul of New York,” said Schumer. “ With this investment, the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation will be able to upgrade infrastructure and pave the way for Alpina Foods to construct a new yogurt plant, and create 50 good-paying jobs in the process. This will provide a shot-in-the-arm for the Batavia economy and in Western New York as a whole.”

Alpina Foods plans to build a 28,000- square-foot factory in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, a project expected to cost $15 million project. Work began on the site last week with a ceremonial groundbreaking planned in October. The facility is expected to be constructed and operational by May 2012.