Cornell Cooperative Extension secures federal and state funding for building expansion, county members probe grant management
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Summary
Cornell Cooperative Extension told the committee it expects about $254,000 from Congressman Langworthy for a building expansion and will combine that with state funds; board members asked whether the office has capacity to administer federal funds through USDA Rural Development and the DRGR portal.
Laura, representing Cornell Cooperative Extension, told the Allegany County Resource Management Committee that the office hosted the New York Small Farm Summit in Alfred and that funding for a building expansion is moving forward. She said a check presentation from Congressman Langworthy totaled about $254,000 and that state funds are also available to support the project.
"Around 254,000," Laura said when asked for the amount. She said the plan is to use one funding pot for the conference room expansion and Langworthy's funds for roof, siding and windows, with the two sources ideally coinciding so work can be combined.
Board members pressed about administrative capacity to manage a federally linked grant. Laura said she spoke with USDA Rural Development in Bath, which approved the project as suitable, and identified Jo Fenske (a former Wellsville code enforcement official) as the project manager who will assist with finance, HR and paperwork. A committee member cautioned that the federal grant portal (DRGR) is difficult to navigate and urged caution in planning timelines.
Laura said, depending on timing of fund availability, the extension work could break ground in spring. Committee members asked to be kept informed of the grant administration process and the office said it would follow up with the board.