GENEVA — The city has scored a $1.15 million state grant that will help pay for a new fire truck, provide assistance for a Geneva startup, and fund a sewer study.

The funding comes through the state Community Development Block Grant Program to support economic development, emergency response upgrades, and wastewater infrastructure planning, according to City Manager Amie Hendrix.

The awards were announced by the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation, Hendrix said.

The city Fire Department has been awarded $1 million to replace a 2006 fire engine that has exceeded its service life. The total project cost is a little over $1.1 million, which includes a $105,000 city contribution, Hendrix said.

She added that the new engine will improve reliability and emergency response capabilities for city residents and that the planned capital expense “will no longer be part of city tax obligations.”

Mayor Jim Cecere said he is pleased the city has received funding for the new fire truck.

“Public safety is one of our highest responsibilities,” said Cecere. “Replacing this engine ensures our firefighters have modern, dependable equipment when responding to emergencies. This funding allows us to strengthen services while maximizing outside revenue sources.”

Fire Chief Del Parrotta also is pleased with the funding.

“I would echo the city manager and mayor’s comments and add that the fire department is extremely grateful for the opportunity to receive this funding and look forward to the production of this much-needed piece of apparatus. This is a major win for the citizens, taxpayers and firefighters of Geneva.”

Parrotta said the grant has a 24-month delivery requirement, “but we won’t know (when the city will get the fire truck) until we put it out to bid.”

Money for sanitary sewer study

Additionally, the city has also secured $50,000 to complete an engineering study evaluating inflow and infiltration within the sanitary sewer system, including areas affected by the alignment of Castle and Glenwood creeks.

Hendrix said the report will include system analysis, evaluation of alternatives, and recommended improvements to the wastewater-collection system.

“Proactive infrastructure planning is essential to long-term fiscal responsibility,” she said. “This study positions the city to pursue future capital funding and address system challenges before they become costly emergencies.”

Money secured for new business

The city has also secured $100,000 for Liquid Orchard Production Facility at the Geneva Tech Farm off Pre Emption Road.

The city said Liquid Orchard, Inc. will use the funding to establish a fruit and vegetable juice production facility in the new Tech Farm building at 200 Grapevine Drive.

Hendrix said the $200,000 project includes $100,000 in private equity from the business. The funds will support equipment purchases, working capital, and inventory, she added.

Advanced processing technology designed to preserve higher nutrient levels will be utilized, she said, while the project will create four full-time equivalent jobs, three of which will be available to low- and moderate-income individuals.

Cecere is pleased for the company.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” he said. “This investment supports innovation, job creation, and continued growth right here in Geneva. We are proud to partner with New York State to help make this project possible.”

Next steps

Hendrix emphasized that each award “is contingent upon execution of grant agreements and completion of environmental review approvals. No work may begin until those requirements are satisfied.”