New York state plans to invest $15 million in the Central New York Agriculture Export Center at the Port of Oswego.
The funding is part of a $65 million investment in the state’s upstate ports to modernize and enhance economic competitiveness. The port will use the funding to construct a control center, a tunnel and belt conveyor system, a storage silo, a storage dome, and a USDA sampling laboratory for agricultural products.
Every year, the port handles more than 1 million tons of imports and exports.
“The Port of Oswego is a key economic generator for the entire Central New York Region,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This investment will help the Port renew and modernize its agricultural handling facilities, providing the region with enhanced access to international markets and boosting local economies.”
Central New York’s fastest-growing export is agricultural products, such as soybeans and corn.
Investment at the port will help it restore full functionality. It will make the region more globally competitive by offering lower shipping prices than those available at other seaports or through the trucking industry.
The state has made other investments in upstate ports, including $21 million to construct the region’s first inland port in Dewitt.