Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2007

Schumer, Clinton: $600,000 For Capital Region Projects Included In Final Transportation, Housing And Urban Development Bill

Funding Included in Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill Approved by House-Senate Conferees Today

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the House-Senate Conference Committee has agreed on a final Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (TTHUD) FY08 Appropriations Bill, which includes $200,000 to build a new YMCA in Schenectady; $200,000 for the Civic Center of Moreau, Inc. to build a new Community Center; and $200,000 to improve WiFi service in the City of Albany. The bill now goes to the full House and Senate for final approval before heading to the President for his signature.

“This funding will support vital programs that serve the communities and families across the Capital Region,” Senator Schumer said. “The new YMCA and the new community center in Moreau will provide programs to encourage youth development and strengthen family life. The WiFi project will provide essential and affordable internet access to some of the most underserved areas of the community.”

“This is great news for the Capital Region. The funds approved by the conference committee will help develop these important programs that will benefit the entire community. Funding for the YMCA’s efforts to develop a local Schenectady branch will help boost the City’s infrastructure and will provide a place for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the improvements at the Regional Community Center at Moreau will allow families and those in need to benefit from a range of local educational, recreational, and community service facilities,” said Senator Clinton. “The assistance for Albany’s WiFi Service project will also grant much needed access to technology for underserved areas at a free or reduced cost. I am very pleased that my colleagues in congress have approved this funding, and I look forward to seeing the President sign this bill into law.”

The Capital District YMCA will receive $200,000 to construct a new YMCA branch in Schenectady. The new location is the current site of a brownfield, and is encircled by a 200,000 square foot, $20 million office park. The construction of the new branch is a community revitalization project, focusing on key needs specific to the Schenectady community, including those of at-risk youth, teens, and families. The YMCA promotes strengthened family life, community development, the instilment of core leadership qualities in young people, as well as the advancement of fitness and healthy lifestyles. The new YMCA will contain a pre-school aged childcare center, dedicated spaces for youth, teen, and senior citizen programming, community rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, an aerobics studio, and indoor running/walking track, a double gymnasium, a warm water pool, a six-lane pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool. It is a facility designed to meet the health, wellness and recreational needs of the greater Schenectady community, for residents of all ages. This project has long been a passion of Mayor Brian Stratton, who personally lobbied both senators for its funding.

The Campaign to Establish the New Regional Community Center at Moreau will receive $200,000 of federal funds, to construct a new Regional Community Center. The Center will provide dramatically improved educational, recreational, and community service facilities as well as substantial economic development. The new Regional Center will serve youth, families, and seniors of Southern Warren, Northern & Central Saratoga, and Washington Counties. The community center provides services to low-income individuals, seniors, and families. Programs for seniors include low-cost or free meals, free health screenings, income tax assistance, and assistance with applying for the federally-funded low-income home energy assistance program and the New York State-run prescription drug program. Youth can participate in the Head Start education program and Teen Vie, an educational program that encourages healthy attitudes and behavior. Youth can also go to the community center for free school supplies and clothing in order to be fully prepared for the school year. The Center has an emergency food pantry and offers low-cost meals through a community food buying club. Staff at the Center assists individuals with the federally-run food stamp programs. The Center runs a thrift store, a WIC program, and free health clinics.

The City of Albany’s WiFi Service project will receive $200,000 of federal funds to provide free or greatly reduced WiFi/internet access to community centers, public facilities, and faith-based shelters or centers. The City of Albany has identified underserved areas within the community for technology.

The bill now goes to the full House and Senate for final approval before heading to the President for his signature.

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