Grant would help bio-fuel facility

The Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp. is moving forward with a plan to assist funding a bio-diesel manufacturing facility.
Recently, U.S. Rep Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, announced a $31,491 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist with the funding.
The money will also fund equipment and a feasibility study for a packing-shipping facility, according to Gillibrand”™s office.
“This important manufacturing facility creates jobs and has the potential to strengthen our local agricultural producers,” Gillibrand, a member of the House Agriculture Committee said in a written statement. “Biodiesel holds great promise as an important resource for our community. Not only does it reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but the site for the proposed project would have a minimal impact because it is already in an industrial zone. I am committed to growing our region’s economy as well as promoting this important alternative fuel source.”
The exact location of the facility, or how far along it is to competition, was not detailed by the congresswoman”™s office.
Calls to the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp. for further information were not returned.
The purpose of the corporation is the development, promotion, enhancement and retention of the agricultural industry and its associated economic and environmental benefits within the Hudson Valley. The mission statement says the group “promotes the Hudson Valley as an attractive, viable region for agriculture through a creative program of marketing, promotion and the provision and coordination of financial and other resources.”