WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Reps. Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) and Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) today announced they were able to secure $13.89 million to complete construction of a $23 million, state-of-the-art U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Grape Genetics Research in Geneva, NY. At the request of Boehlert and Hinchey the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, of which Hinchey is a member, yesterday approved the funds as part of a fiscal year 2007 spending bill.

"Investing in sound science and research leads to economic prosperity," said Boehlert, Chairman of the House Science Committee. "Today's announcement brings the total federal investment in this project to over $22 million. Once completed, this new center will enable scientists to address issues confronting grape growers across the nation, including the $7 billion wine and grape industry in New York State."

Hinchey said, "The wine industry is critical to New York's economy, which is why having this state-of-the-art grape research center at Cornell is so important. The new center will enable Cornell to further develop new and improved ways to advance grape agriculture and thus spur new ways for New York's economy to grow. We will work hard to ensure that this funding remains in tact throughout the rest of the legislative process."

Dan Fessenden, Executive Director of Cornell Agriculture Food and Technology Park said, "Without question the Grape Genetics Research Center will help ensure the U.S. grape and wine industry remains competitive. As the anchor tenant of the new Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park the Center will also serve as a powerful catalyst for economic development and private sector investment in the Finger Lakes region. New York's Congressional team has fought tirelessly to drive this strategic investment of the federal government to Upstate New York. We are truly grateful for their efforts."

Dr. Thomas J. Burr, Director of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station said, "Adding this level of scientific expertise will greatly strengthen ARS-Cornell collaborative efforts and further elevate the world-class status of Geneva in all aspects of enology and viticulture. Improving our basic understanding of grape genetics will result in discoveries aimed toward future improvements in grape and wine production practices. Research done at the Center will positively impact the state, national and international wine industries."

Of the $13.89 million, $7.29 million is new money and $6.6 million is money taken from a previous federal allocation to Cornell for separate construction that is now being reassigned. Funds will be used to construct a state-of-the-art facility at the Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park, including laboratories, offices, common areas and greenhouses. The new building will address crowding in the existing Geneva facilities and provide additional space to consolidate the programs of the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and Cornell. Construction is expected to begin in 2007. Boehlert and Hinchey were able to secure $9.055 million for this project over the last three years.

The Agriculture Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007 has several legislative steps to take before it becomes law, but securing the subcommittee's approval today is essential.

Boehlert Contact: Sam Marchio
Phone: 202-225-6335
Sam.Marchio@mail.house.gov


Hinchey Contact: Jeff Lieberson
Phone: 202-225-3665
Jeff.Lieberson@mail.house.gov






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