Milk Street Dairy LLC, a dairy farm in Tylerville, New York, has completed construction of five new buildings and increased its production capabilities in part due to an investment from National Grid's New York economic development program. The $50,000 National Grid grant helps to defray the cost of extending 3-phase electric service to the dairy farm.
A $2 million investment by Milk Street Dairy will improve productivity and increase milking capacity by 800 cows, nearly tripling production. The expansion includes a new barn, connecting building, holding pen, high-tech milking parlor, and utility building.
Milk Street Dairy anticipates the expansion will create new jobs.
"Like all small businesses, Milk Street Dairy's ability to thrive depends on incorporating new technologies, while controlling expenses," said John Ferry, co-owner and partner, Milk Street Dairy.
"When proposing the construction of a new facility to allow for further expansion and job creation, one looming cost increase was electrical power. With the assistance of National Grid, through the 3-Phase Power Incentive grant, our new facility is supported by 3-phase power, helping us to control costs."
Since the inception of its 3-Phase Power Incentive Program in 2003, National Grid has awarded 21 grants for a total of nearly $710,000 to small business and agri-business customers in the communities it serves across upstate New York for projects that require 3-phase power for business growth.
Eligibility for National Grid's 3-Phase Power Extension program is open to National Grid electric service customers in industry sectors including agribusiness and scientific research and development. The business must also demonstrate the ability to retain and attract jobs and capital investment, and that 3-phase power is necessary to serve an increase in the customer's electric load.
"The Milk Street Dairy project is an example of how agriculture is growing our economy," said Jay M. Matteson, Jefferson County agricultural coordinator.
"The construction of buildings, purchase of equipment, and the growth in milk production creates jobs locally and elsewhere." PD
—From National Grid news release
