CANAJOHARIE - Growing candy maker Richardson Brands was awarded a $1.7 million state grant Tuesday to expand, acquire another company and complete a previous acquisition.

Gov. David A. Paterson announced $17.5 million in Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund grants for 15 projects to revitalize upstate New York's economy. The $120 million fund, announced by the governor in May, supports projects that help provide a framework for future growth in regions with stymied development. This first round of funding finances business investments, infrastructure upgrades and downtown redevelopment.

Village-based Richardson Brands at 101 Erie Blvd. was awarded $1.7 million for phase II of the company's business acquisition and relocation plan.

Paterson said Richardson Brands will use this grant to acquire an out-of-state company, relocate equipment to New York state and move the remainder of Richardson Brand's previous acquisition.

"This is really exciting news for Richardson Brands," company Chief Executive Officer Don Butte said today. "But this is also very exciting news for the village. Our goal is really to grow."

He said he hopes to add 70 jobs by 2011, which picks up a void when longtime village employer Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp. leaves. Richardson employs 128 people in the village.

Richardson Brands, which manufactures branded and private-label confectionery products at its 180,000-square-foot facility, also plans to bring its previously acquired GravyMaster operation to the plant. That move will allow it to add 44 jobs, and the company plans to add almost 100 more in the future as it continues to expand.

In August, Richardson announced the acquisition of the Bogdon Candy Co. Richardson Brands has acquired Bogdon Candy from the Dynamic Confections Group and is planning to bring up to 30 additional jobs to the village when it relocates, company officials said.

Bogdon, which was established in Kansas City, Mo., created Bogdon's Reception Stick, a hard candy rolled into thin sticks and dipped in bittersweet chocolate. The company also has developed Mint Double Dips, a spun sugar stick that is dipped in chocolate and wrapped in silver foil.

Richardson Brands Human Resources Director Richard Frank said the company plans to shift 30 jobs from the Kansas City plant to its Canajoharie facility by the end of next year. Frank said the company has offered Bogdon's Kansas City employees jobs at the Canajoharie facility.

In a news release issued by the governor's office, Paterson indicated the $1.7 million award to Richardson is part of a bigger plan.

"My first priority as governor is putting New Yorkers back to work. These funds provide communities with the resources they need to attract development and create jobs," Paterson said.

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.