Congressman says funding will create jobs and open up space for future investment

            Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds (R-Clarence) today delivered $241,000 to help develop a new industrial and commercial park in the Town of Wheatfield.  The federal funding, secured through the Small Cities Community Development program administered by the New York Governor's Office for Small Cities, will make way for construction of the Woodlands Corporate Center East Industrial Park.  The funding is being provided to Calamar Construction Management Inc. to build a new railroad crossing needed for development of the park, and will lead to the creation of 30 new jobs.

            "This funding paves the way for a new commercial development that will bring jobs to Wheatfield and will open up more space for future business investment in Niagara County," Reynolds said.  "The project has been held up due to the need for this rail crossing, and I'm happy to bring this funding back to Wheatfield to build it and make this project a reality."

            Development of the Woodlands Corporate East Industrial Park has currently been halted by the New York State Department of Transportation due to the rail line.  A company affiliated with Calamar Construction Management, LI2 Holdings, will now be able to complete work on a new signalized rail crossing.  Upon completion, CO7 Holdings, another Calamar affiliate, will construct a 32,000 Class A office building to support the expanding operation of Clamar's group of companies.

             "I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to Congressman Thomas Reynolds for his valiant dedication and leadership on this very important issue to The Woodlands Corporate Center East," said Calamar President Kenneth M. Franasiak.  "Because of Congressman Reynolds' assistance and commitment, this will allow the continuation of $150 Million dollars worth of capital investment into Niagara County, which will equate to the largest commercial/industrial investment in decades."

            The funding was secured through the Small Cities Community Development Program at the federal level and was allocated to Wheatfield by the Governor's Office for Small Cities, which is New York State's administrative agency for the Small Cities Program.  The Small Cities Program provides grants to smaller communities to create jobs and expand business opportunities, among other goals.

            Calamar will create 30 new full-time jobs as a result of the funding.  Completion of the rail crossing will also open up an additional 117 acres in the Woodlands East Industrial Park for development estimated at $150 million in private investment and 1.1 million square feet of new commercial and industrial space.

            "This project creates jobs now and in the future for Niagara County," Reynolds said.  "And creating jobs and opportunities for Western New York businesses is why I fight in Washington to bring home the federal and state funding our region deserves.  These investments address the needs of our local communities and create opportunities for local businesses.  By allowing the construction of this new business park to move forward, this funding and project will do just that, improving our economy and creating jobs for Western New Yorkers."