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Walker presents $1.4 million DOT grant to support Organic Valley expansion
Money will keep 138 jobs, add 200 new jobs
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Gov. Scott Walker joined Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel Oct. 24 in presenting a $1.4 million Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant to the Village of Cashton to assist in road construction projects supporting Organic Valley’s growing business operations in Cashton.   This investment in infrastructure will directly assist in retaining 138 jobs and adding 200 new jobs.

“The jobs secured by this project provide an opportunity for a better life for dozens of Wisconsin families and will also be a great boost to the economy,” Walker said.  “Organic Valley is a true Wisconsin success story, and we are proud to do our part to help them grow and expand.”

The Village of Cashton will use the funds to help cover costs associated with a street construction and reconstruction project, including pedestrian and bicycle accommodations to support the expansion of Organic Valley’s distribution center/headquarters.   In addition to the 338 direct jobs at Organic Valley, the project will indirectly support another 362 jobs, for a total of 700 jobs. The $1.4 million grant represents nearly 45 percent of the approximately $3.2 million transportation improvement project. The remainder of the funding is being provided by the village.

Organic Valley, the nation’s largest producer of organic milk, is investing nearly $25 million to expand its existing distribution center in Cashton and construct a new headquarters building at the site. Organic Valley is a producer and distributor of certified organic dairy products, in addition to produce, eggs, meat, juice, soy and grains, and feed sales.

Wisconsin’s Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program provides 50 percent state grants to governing bodies for road, rail, harbor, and airport projects to help attract employers to Wisconsin, or encourage business and industry to remain and expand in the state. Since its start in 1987, the TEA grant program has invested more than $93.2 million in 333 projects, creating or retaining more than 80,500 jobs.