Relates to the creation of the Rochester-Finger Lakes craft beverage trail

4 Co-sponsors

• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Robert Ortt
• Joseph E. Robach

Title of bill

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to the designation of the Rochester-Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail

Summary of provisions

Creates a new section 344-E of the highway law, which creates the Rochester Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail.

Justification

Currently, the craft beverage industry in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region has had success in promoting their products via their informal creation of the Rochester Craft Beverage Trail. This has allowed local craft beverage businesses to pool their marketing efforts through cross-promotion. Though the industry has experienced success through their private ventures of promoting their businesses, it is the Government's responsibility to foster their growth and assist when possible. Therefore, the official designation of "The Rochester - Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail" under the State Highway law is an important next step in fostering our local craft beverage industry. This proposal will create greater awareness and enhance the promotion of these businesses by placing signs on designated state routes.

Official state designations have already proven successful in enhancing the business opportunities for our wineries and other businesses, and therefore are also appropriate for the craft beverage industry.

According to the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, the New York grape, grape juice and wine industry generates more than $4.8 billion in economic benefits annually for New York State. New York is home to over 1,600 family vineyards and over 400 wineries, producing more than 175,000,000 bottles of wine per year while providing $408 million in state and local taxes.

According to the New York State Brewers Association, the number of New York State breweries grew from 95 in 2012 to 207 in 2014, making them 3rd in the country with an Economic Impact of $3.5 Billion dollars. In 2012, New York State was the 6th largest beer producing state behind California, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio and Oregon. New York State craft breweries increased production by 26% from 557,436 in 2011 to 859,536 barrels in 2012, while at the same time nationally, the craft beer segment only grew by 15%.

While the industry is thriving, it is important that we continue to advance growth efforts. Providing a new extension of highway designation will encourage more consumers to enjoy the benefits of the industry, while attracting additional craft breweries to open installations along the trail.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implication

None to the State.

Effective date

Immediately.