WALSH ANNOUNCES $1.245 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR GARLOCK EXPANSION
Wayne County’s Second Largest Private Employer To Upgrade
Wastewater Treatment System

(Palmyra, New York)- Congressman Jim Walsh today joined Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce David Sampson to present $1.245 million in federal funding to Garlock Sealing Technologies to assist in the modernization of the company’s 26 building Palmyra campus.  The company, a subsidiary of EnPro Industries, Inc., has manufactured in Wayne County for 120 years.

“This funding is an important component of our local efforts to keep, improve, and expand Garlock’s presence in Wayne County," said Congressman Walsh.  “With over 600 current employees and 233 vendor businesses in the region, Garlock’s decision to remain and grow here has a significant impact on our local economy.  This federal investment is part of a larger $35.5 million project that will modernize and increase production capacity at the Palmyra facility in order to grow Garlock’s business and market share.”

The $1.245 million in federal Economic Development Administration funding will support a $2.5 million replacement of the facility’s aging wastewater treatment system.  The new system, benefiting the entire 145 acre campus, includes the installation of a new pump station and force main along with restructuring of the on site wastewater system to separate storm flows from process flows.  The new system will connect to the Village of Palmyra’s sewer system which currently operates under capacity.

"The modernization project in Palmyra would not be possible without the support and commitment of many different people," said Paul Baldetti, Division President, Garlock Sealing Technologies.  "We greatly appreciate the support of Congressman Walsh and the federal, state, and local officials and agencies, our employees and many others who assisted in making this project feasible."

In May 2005, Garlock announced that it would remain in Wayne County after the active involvement of Congressman Walsh, State Senator Mike Nozzolio, Assemblyman Bob Oaks, the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, and other local officials and business development entities.

Since then, the company has begun a $35.5 million complete campus upgrade, involving the demolition, rehabilitation, and new construction of buildings, investment in new equipment and manufacturing machine upgrades, and the replacement of the company's aging wastewater system.

"Thanks to the collaborative efforts of several agencies and individuals, Wayne County's economic stability is much more certain today," said Jim Hoffman, Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors.  "On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I wish to thank all those who helped prepare and support this funding request.  Special thanks go to Congressman Walsh whose support was necessary and instrumental for the ultimate approval of EDA funding for the Garlock waste water upgrade project."

With the Congressman’s assistance and advocacy, Wayne County submitted an application for EDA funding through the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, which will administer the investment on behalf of the Department of Commerce.  The Wayne County Industrial Development Agency, Greater Rochester Enterprise, and New York State Empire State Development are also partners in the larger modernization project.

"This is an excellent example of regional industrial and workforce retention.  Our business and elected leaders along with federal, state, regional and county economic development organizations and programs continue to come together to support business and job growth in the Region," said David Zorn, Executive Director of the Genesee/Finger Lake Regional Planning Council.   "As the planning entity for the Economic Development Administration Economic
Development District the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council looks forward to working together to implement this portion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy."

“President Bush and I are committed to partnering with communities to promote innovation and competitiveness.  Through economic development grants like these, the Commerce Department will continue to encourage investments in local areas, grow the economy and create jobs,” said Deputy Secretary Sampson.

Garlock is the largest employer in the Town of Palmyra and the second largest private employer in Wayne County.  At least 100 construction jobs will be created over the three-year time frame of the overall campus upgrade.

The company’s continued viability in Wayne County also impacts its 233 vendor/supplier businesses in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region.  The wastewater system replacement portion of the project is scheduled to begin this year.

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