Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that grants totaling more than $500,000 have been distributed by National Grid to support an expansion of the Intergrow Greenhouses, Inc. in Gaines. Hawley praised the funding as investment into Western New York’s vast agriculture and small-business market and pledged his continued support of similar industries in the region.

“I am pleased to see that one of our local small businesses and produce growers has received funding for its business expansion,” Hawley said. “Too often, financial help is given to large companies that don’t need it or are not as influential in their region as Intergrow Greenhouses, Inc. The greenhouse expansion will create about a dozen new jobs and retain dozens of employees. New York has a proud agricultural heritage. I pledge to fight for its support, both financially and institutionally, as we move into this year’s budget negotiations.”

The grants are part of National Grid’s economic development and energy efficiency programs, which focus on job creation and streamlining utilities for businesses. The greenhouse expansion will increase crop yield, reduce lighting costs by 30 percent and allow growers to produce tomatoes year-round.