Geneva will get a major cash infusion to support jobs, firefighters, and long-term infrastructure planning.
The city secured $1.15 million in state funding through the New York State Community Development Block Grant Program, officials announced this week.
The funding breaks down into three separate awards focused on economic development, public safety, and wastewater planning.
A $100,000 grant will support Liquid Orchard Inc.’s plans to open a fruit and vegetable juice production facility at 200 Grapevine Drive. The overall project totals $200,000 and includes $100,000 in private investment. City officials said the facility will use advanced processing technology and create four full-time equivalent jobs, with three positions targeted to low- and moderate-income workers.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” Mayor James Cecere said in the release. “This investment supports innovation, job creation, and continued growth right here in Geneva.”
The largest portion of the funding — $1 million — will go toward replacing a Geneva Fire Department engine that has been in service since 2006. The total cost of the new engine is $1.105 million, with the city covering the remaining $105,000. Officials said the replacement will improve reliability and emergency response while keeping the cost out of future city tax obligations.
“Public safety is one of our highest responsibilities,” Cecere said. “Replacing this engine ensures our firefighters have modern, dependable equipment when responding to emergencies.”
The city also received $50,000 to complete an engineering study of inflow and infiltration issues in the sanitary sewer system. The study will examine areas affected by Castle Creek and Glenwood Creek and recommend improvements to the wastewater collection system. Officials said the project benefits all residents, including about 8,000 low- and moderate-income individuals.
City Manager Amie Hendrix said the study will help the city plan ahead. “Proactive infrastructure planning is essential to long-term fiscal responsibility,” she said.
All three awards require finalized grant agreements and environmental reviews before work can begin, according to the release.
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