Central Bridge’s Hoober Feeds has received a $200,000 state grant to fund upgrades to the rail line there.
The grant, secured by State Senator Jim Seward, will be used to install rail siding along the Norfolk Southern Rail that will allow Hoober Feeds to receive ingredients by rail.
With the increase in shipments, Hoober will be able to expand its operation and plans to add four or five additional employees.
“The rail siding is vital to expanding our operations in Schoharie County,” said Hoober feeds President Bradley Wagner.
“Senator Seward’s support is greatly appreciated and will help us build on our commitment to proving high quality feeds to hard-working farmers. We are dedicated to the agriculture industry and this grant allows us to take another step forward.”
The grant comes through the state Department of Transportation’s multi-modal program and will be administered by the Schoharie County IDA.
“Modern, functional infrastructure is key to ensuring our businesses can compete and grow,” Senator Seward said. “This grant will pay immediate dividends by boosting employment at Hoober Feeds and will create additional expansion opportunities at other Schoharie County businesses.”
“This project has the added bonus of enhancing two heritage industries—agriculture and freight rail—that have meant so much to our region.”
Schoharie Supervisor Chris Tague echoed many of Senator Seward’s comments on the importance of infrastructure in growing the local economy.
“…we must be able to compete with other parts of the state and the country,” he said. “Upgrades to our infrastructure will help our local businesses succeed.”