NY Senators Schumer, Gillibrand announce nearly $11 million in federal funding for 12 North Country projects
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Two local organizations are among a dozen receiving nearly $11 million in total federal funding to support various projects across the North Country.
After delivering historic increase for the program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, this development comes from the offices of U.S. Senators Kristen Gillibrand (NY-D) and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (NY-D).
“This is a big win for Upstate NY, and it is only the beginning. I’m proud to have delivered this historic funding to help families and communities lay the foundation for a better future here in the North Country,” Senator Schumer said.
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“This historic funding will help communities across Upstate rebuild their infrastructure, provide critical job training in in-demand fields, and revitalize our tourism industry,” said Senator Gillibrand.
Senator Gillibrand image.
At the tune of nearly $3 million, Hand in Hand Early Childhood Center in Lowville, NY will expand their flagship center located in Lowville by adding two classrooms and 24 more potential childcare slots.
The proposal also includes the creation of two satellite facilities located at the northernmost and southernmost school districts in Lewis County.
“Receiving the NBRC Catalyst grant means not only will Hand In Hand be able to create more childcare slots in all areas across Lewis County, but it will also create more jobs within our community," said Jenniffer Bleakley, Executive Director at Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center.
"This is amazing news for us and we are so thankful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, our State Representatives, as well as our local Lewis County Representatives for all of their support with this project. Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center and Lewis County saw a need in our small community and now we will be able to act on that need and work towards solving the childcare crisis in Lewis County and we are so grateful for this opportunity.”
These satellite facilities would provide approximately 32 childcare slots at each school campus.
In addition, the Development Authority of the North Country has been awarded nearly $2.5 million to complete a multi-jurisdictional telecommunications project bringing affordable, high-speed broadband to approximately 488 un-served households in rural communities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.
“Working together, we are addressing the rural digital divide in the North Country,” said Carl E. Farone, Jr., Executive Director of the Development Authority of the North Country.
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“The Development Authority has worked with its Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis county partners to identify gaps in broadband coverage and ways to address them. Senator Schumer has been a champion of expanding broadband access and this NBRC grant is a great example of what we can achieve by working together. We look forward to working with our partners to implement this grant to the benefit of unserved North Country households and we are grateful to Senator Schumer for his support.”
Headline image via Hand in Hand Early Childhood Center.
