Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Register-Star food distributor Ginsberg's Foods has been denied a half-million dollar state Community Development Block Grant for a planned expansion project. The company was awarded the funds to help develop its proposed $11.3 million, 65,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse in Ghent and Claverack. Prior to release of the funds, the state Office of Homes and Community Renewal received complaints about excavation, and the installation of an access road, among other things. This activity was in direct violation of the agency's funding requirements. County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murrell said he is working with Columbia Economic Development Corp. interim President and CEO Mike Tucker and Columbia County Planning/Economic Development Commissioner Ken Flood to gain an understanding of what exactly occurred. Murrell said he had learned that Ginsberg's began work on the project before the grant was approved. He said he hoped the company could work things out. Tucker confirmed his agency is currently in discussion with county officials to understand the basis of the decision, and how to move forward. Read the full story in the Register-Star.