Seward secures $300,000 multi-modal grant for Greene IDA

State senator James Seward joined local elected officials and economic development professionals to announce that he has secured $300,000 in the 2008-2009 state budget for rail enhancements to boost local economic development, jobs and to continue helping Greene County grow and prosper. The Greene IDA is the sponsor and recipient of the grant which will be used in partnership with Peckham Industries at the re-development of the Travco site. "This is a targeted, smart investment in jobs here in Athens and Greene County. By partnering with the Greene IDA and Peckham, we're improving the once dormant Travco Industrial Park and providing more transportation options.  The goal is retaining and creating new jobs and improving infrastructure so that businesses will continue to find room in Greene County to open, stay and grow," said Seward. The Greene IDA has a strong commitment to the development of a variety of site options for prospective business partners. "Rail sites have been a focus of the Greene IDA for over a year and our partnership with Peckham on the re-development of this site enhances our ability to provide this transportation option for new businesses," said Paul Slutzky, chairman of the Greene IDA board of directors. Peckham, a long time local employer, moved towards rail access to address a change in market conditions. The site work is expected to continue throughout fall and is scheduled to be completed by early winter.