Resolution in Support of 2009 Erie County Funding of

Cornell Cooperative Extension

WHEREAS, the Town of Grand Island recognizes the importance of linking scientifically sound research to everyday living; and

WHEREAS, the research of New York State’s Land Grand College, Cornell University, is disseminated by Cornell Cooperative Extension in county-wide education, information and technical assistance programs including but not limited to support to commercial and horticultural businesses, soil testing, workforce training for nursery and landscape professionals, Master Gardener, 4-H Youth Development, financial literacy education, Eat Smart NewYork, Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) for food stamp recipients, HeatSmart NY; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Grand Island has been advised that the proposed budget submitted by Erie County Executive Chris Collins provides no funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension in 2009; and

WHEREAS, the loss of Erie County funding to Cornell Cooperative Extension ($295,000 in 2008) would result in the loss of all other funding ($1.3 million for the total program in 2008) from private, state and federal sources;

NOW THEREFORE, based on the reasons outlined above the Town Board of the Town of Grand Island hereby resolves that

1.                  Erie County Executive Chris Collins and the Erie County Legislature restore funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension to the 2008 funding level.

2.                  Certified copies of this resolution are forwarded to the Erie County Executive, all members of the Erie County Legislature, Governing bodies of all Erie County cities, towns and villages and the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning.

ADOPTED:  November 3, 2008