Apparently the grape is the key to economic recovery for western New York.
That’s according to a news release from the office of Sen. Charles Schumer, who has pledged to fight for federal funding for the Grape Heritage Discovery Center in Westfield, N.Y. The release states that the center would promote wine tourism in New York and showcase Chautauqua County’s grape and wine industry, creating jobs through increased tourism. It will be patterned after the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, which the release says attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year.
Schumer, a Democrat, said he’ll push for funding through the federal appropriations process. You’ve guessed it, folks — earmarks. So now you know of at least one earmark to look out for in the next round of appropriations bills, though the release doesn’t say how much it will cost to build the center.
Oh, and the Grape Center will have a gift shop. Natch.
