National Grid announced three new economic development grants totaling over $750,000 to support revitalization and job growth in Genesee and Livingston counties, the company revealed Tuesday.
The funding will support projects in Batavia and Avon, including a major expansion by Graham Corp., the transformation of a long-vacant department store, and energy optimization at the Barilla pasta manufacturing facility.
Graham Corp., a supplier for the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors, will receive $500,000 toward a $17 million expansion of its Batavia headquarters on Florence Avenue. The 29,000-square-foot project is expected to retain more than 360 jobs and create 24 new ones. The grant comes from National Grid’s Electric Capital Investment Incentive program.
“National Grid’s Electric Capital Incentive Program grant helped Graham Corp. expand manufacturing capacity, support job creation, and enhance utility infrastructure on the campus,” said Conor McInerney of Ciurzynski Consulting.
Also in Batavia, Carr’s Reborn LLC will receive $100,000 through National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization program to help convert the long-shuttered C.L. Carr’s Department Store into a mixed-use space. The 30,000-square-foot site at 101-105 Main Street has been vacant since 2001.
The funding will support structural repairs, new utilities, and fire suppression systems to prepare the space for retail and residential redevelopment.
In Avon, Barilla Pasta America NY Inc. will use a $154,700 grant from the Power Quality Enhancement program to conduct a harmonic analysis and improve energy efficiency at its manufacturing plant.
“This analysis was a crucial step toward enhancing our operational efficiency,” said William Boula of Barilla. “We have used many National Grid programs for grants and rebates and appreciate their dedication to community and sustainability.”
National Grid has invested more than $154 million through its 18 economic development programs since 2003, supporting the creation or retention of over 67,000 jobs across upstate New York.
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