$6.6 million budgeted for NCCC culinary

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 17, 2008

The 2008-09 state budget includes $6.6 million to help fund the new Culinary Arts Institute at Niagara County Community College, according to Sen. George Maziarz, R-C, Newfane, and Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, D-Lewiston.

“This is the type of investment the state needs to be making in Niagara County, where state dollars help fund an initiative that will create jobs and economic activity,” Maziarz said. “It’s never easy to secure these kinds of state resources, particularly in the current economic climate, but I think I was able to make my colleagues understand that a vibrant culinary arts program is a great complement to our community’s tourism industry. That is ultimately good for the whole state.”

Maziarz said that he hopes the funding commitment will help the college finalize its agreement to lease space in the Crowne Plaza in Niagara Falls and complete the first phase of the project (opening a restaurant and an attached exhibition kitchen) in the early fall.

“This state of the art facility will allow NCCC to become a leader in the culinary arts field, and it will provide a wonderful learning environment for those who choose the culinary field,” DelMonte said.