Congressmen Gibson, Maloney Announce $3.4 Million Economic Development Award to Culinary Institute of America

Congressmen Chris Gibson (NY-19) and Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced today a $3.4 million grant award to the Culinary Institute of America.  The federal award will support the development of a new coalition and first-class training and workforce development center, helping local farmers and creating 32 new jobs.

 “Many of our local farms were devastated as a result of the flooding caused by Irene and Lee.  Since the storm, I have been leading efforts in Congress and here at home to ensure all of our communities have the resources they need to recover,” said Congressman Gibson.  “The CIA is a world-class institution we are so fortunate to have here in the Hudson Valley, and today’s announcement will leverage their invaluable expertise to benefit our farmers.”

 “This investment is a critical public-private partnership that helps our farmers and businesses continue to recover in the aftermath of Irene and Lee,” said Representative Sean Patrick Maloney. “With the remarkable leadership of the CIA, this opportunity will help create jobs and spur economic growth for communities all across the Hudson Valley.”  

 The Training and Workforce Development Center will be operated by the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance at the Marriott Pavilion located on the campus.  The full project cost is $5.8 million, and the Center will specifically help local flood-ridden farmers in the Hudson Valley recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.  The Culinary Institute will serve as the hub for the Alliance, which will provide farms and agri-businesses in the Hudson Valley with the resources, training, services, and essential support necessary to recover from the natural disasters, sustain their current farming operations, as well as expand and create new economic opportunities to make the region more resilient to future disasters.

 This project is funded through the FY 2012 Disaster Relief Opportunity administered through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.  Each disaster recovery investment is intended to support a community’s long-term recovery, spur job creation, leverage private investment, and promote disaster resiliency.