Press Releases
SCHUMER: STALEMATE AT PEACE BRIDGE HAS PRESCREENING PROGRAM STALLED AT THE GATE ASKS SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON TO BREAK THE LOGJAM
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to persuade the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to finalize an agreement with American Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to establish prescreening of trucks and cargo on the Canadian side of the border. Moving the screening of trucks to the Canadian side of the border would clear the way for a new plaza, that would facilitate increased commerce and international tourism. It would also significantly reduce… Continue Reading
09.19.11
SCHUMER CALLS ON THE FDA TO PUT IN PLACE STANDARDS FOR JUICE CONCENTRATES AFTER QUESTIONS EMERGE OVER THE LEVEL OF ARSENIC FOUND IN CHINESE-PRODUCED CONCENTRATES
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put in place clear standards for imported fruit and vegetable juice concentrates and step up inspection of concentrates from countries that use toxic, inorganic arsenic in their pesticides, or with high levels of environmental contaminants. Schumer pointed out that, although serious questions exist over the methodology used by a daytime talk show last week that covered the subject of arsenic in apple jui… Continue Reading
09.19.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES GENESEE DEVELOPMENT CORP. SET TO RECEIVE $58,000 IN USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM; FUNDING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES WILL HELP MAKE NEW ALPINA FOODS YOGURT PLANT A REALITY, CREATE 50 JOBS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation is set to receive $58,000 in US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program, for infrastructure upgrades in Genesee Valley AgriBusiness Park at the site for Alpina Foods. Alpina Foods is a dairy products company, and recently began work to construct its first U.S. yogurt plant in Batavia. Specifically, this investment will fund site preparation for the new yogurt plant by extendin… Continue Reading
09.19.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES ODYSSEY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES IN ITHACA SET TO RECEIVE $775,000 IN DOJ GRANTS FOR ELECTRONIC CRIME AND FORENSIC EVIDENCE RECOVERY
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the National Institute of Justice has awarded four grants totaling $775,000 to Odyssey Research Associates in Ithaca under the Electronic Crime and Digital Evidence Recovery Program. These funds will enable Odyssey Research to improve the tools and technology needed to retrieve forensic evidence in an accurate, accessible and efficient manner. Odyssey Research Associates in Ithaca is a subsidiary of the Architecture Technology Corporation, … Continue Reading
09.19.11
SCHUMER CALLS FOR FULL FEDERAL REVIEW OF ECONOMIC IMPACT FROM TROPICAL STORMS URGES FEMA AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION TO HELP CHART A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO REBUILD
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to direct the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct an Economic Impact Statement for New York following Tropical Storms Irene & Lee. The two agencies would work together with local officials to gather a comprehensive overview of the damage from the storms, prioritize rebuilding projects and map out a road to recovery, and help identify potential streams of federal funding to help… Continue Reading
09.19.11
FED UP WITH NAVY SLOWNESS, SCHUMER CALLS ON EPA TO TAKE LEAD ROLE ON CLEAN-UP OF TOXIC PLUME THREATENING NASSAU COUNTY DRINKING WATER; WATER DISTRICTS ESTIMATE LOCAL CLEAN-UP COST COULD BE AS HIGH AS $250 MILLION AND EFFECT QUARTER OF MILLION RESIDENTS, RESULTING IN DISASTROUS RATE HIKE FOR RESIDENTS
United States Senator Charles E. Schumer, today, called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director Lisa Jackson to have the agency take the lead role for the cleanup of the toxic Bethpage chemical plume that threatens over 20 additional public drinking wells that serve over 250,000 Nassau County residents in the Massapequa, Bethpage, and South Farmingdale Water Districts. The slowness of the response on the part of the Navy to contain and remediate the toxic plume put local projections… Continue Reading
09.15.11
SCHUMER PUSHES TO EXPEDITE $5 MILLION FEDERAL LOAN FOR HARRIMAN BUSINESS DAMAGED IN IRENES FLOODING; WITHOUT HELP SOON, COMPANY COULD BE FORCED TO LAY OFF HUNDREDS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the Small Business Administration (SBA) to expedite the approval of a $5 million federal emergency loan to Superior Pack Group in Harriman, so that the company is not forced to lay off hundreds of employees. Tropical storm Irene ripped a hole through the company's packaging plant and damaged its equipment, completely stopping its operations. Superior Pack Group, which provides packaging, fulfillment, warehousing and inventory management service… Continue Reading
09.14.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE SCHENECTADY COUNTY RESIDENTS SET TO RECEIVE CRITICAL FEMA ASSISTANCE
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded individual assistance to Schenectady County. Schumer and Gillibrand said that this was an important first step in making sure that these counties get the help they needs to recover from Tropical Storm Lee. "I called Administrator Fugate to tell him that FEMA needs to work hand in glove with state and local leaders to make sure Schenectady County resident… Continue Reading
09.14.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FRANKLIN, HAMILTON, & HERKIMER COUNTIES TO RECEIVE CRITICAL FEMA ASSISTANCE
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded individual assistance to Herkimer County residents, and public assistance to local governments in Franklin, Hamilton, and Herkimer Counties. Schumer and Gillibrand said that this was an important first step in making sure that these counties get the help they needs to recover from Irene. "I called Administrator Fugate to tell him that FEMA needs to work… Continue Reading
09.13.11
SCHUMER INTRODUCES BILL TO AWARD FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN MARINES IN U.S. HISTORY WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL; MONTFORD POINT MARINES INCLUDE NYC MAYOR DAVID DINKINS
Today U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (DNY) announced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines, the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Included among the distinguished members of the group, is former New York City Mayor David Dinkins. The Congressional Gold Medal, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is the highest civilian award in the United States. Schumer said that this award would finally recognize the histo… Continue Reading
09.13.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $8.5 MILLION FOR ELMIRA CORNING REGIONAL AIRPORT TO EXTEND RUNWAY
oday, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Elmira Corning Regional Airport is set to receive $8,556,627 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds to extend the runway and parallel taxiway at the airport. "This is great news for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of Elmira Corning Regional Airport every day," said Schumer. "With this investment, Elmira Corning airport will make runway and taxiway renovations that will improve both p… Continue Reading
09.12.11
SCHUMER TOURS FLOOD DAMAGE IN UTICA REGION WILL FIGHT TO SECURE FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS, BUSINESSES AND INFRASTRUCTURE HIT HARD BY LATEST ROUND OF FLOODING
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer visited Whitesboro to get a firsthand look at the flood damage from the most recent tropical storm to hit the Utica region. Schumer toured Sauquoit Street in the village as well as damaged homes in the area, alongside Whitesboro Mayor Brenda Gilberti, Utica Mayor David Roefaro, Oneida County Executive Picente and county emergency management personnel. During a tour of the damage, Schumer spoke with local officials about the federal government's assistanc… Continue Reading
09.12.11
SCHUMER TOURS FLOOD DAMAGE IN AMSTERDAM WILL PUSH TO SECURE FEDERAL AID TO HELP HOMEOWNERS, BUSINESSES TO RECOVER, AND TO REBUILD CANAL LOCKS DEVASTATED BY SECOND ROUND OF FLOODING
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer visited Amsterdam to get a firsthand look at the flood damage from the most recent tropical storm to hit Montgomery County, which comes on the heels of Hurricane Irene's destruction in the region. Schumer toured homes and businesses that have been severely damaged by the storms, such as Russo's Restaurant, and also made stops at the historic Guy Park Manor which has partially collapsed into the river, and Erie Canal Lock 11. During a tour of the dama… Continue Reading
09.08.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES DEAL TO START REMAPPING OF CONTROVERSIAL NEW NASSAU FLOOD ZONES PASSES IMPORTANT HURDLE; COULD SAVE LONG ISLAND HOMEOWNERS FROM HAVING TO PAY THOUSANDS IN UNNECESSARY FLOOD INSURANCE
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that he successfully fought to include an important provision in the Flood Insurance Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2011, which passed a key procedural hurdle in the U.S. Senate. Schumer's provision would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to remake their existing flawed flood maps that failed to use Nassauspecific data during major map changes put in place in late 2009. Flood zones affected by the Jamaica Bay flood… Continue Reading
09.06.11
SCHUMER, FEMA OFFICIALS TOUR FLOOD DAMAGE, INSPECT RECOVERY EFFORTS IN PUTNAM COUNTY SCHUMER WILL PUSH TO SECURE AS MUCH FEDERAL AID AS POSSIBLE IN WAKE OF IRENE
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and FEMA Federal Regional Administrator Lynn Canton toured Putnam County to get a firsthand look at the damage and devastation caused by tropical storm Irene. Schumer visited Philipstown in order to receive an update on FEMA's efforts to help the Hudson Valley rebuild and recover from the storm, and to receive a briefing from local leaders on their current needs from the federal government. Following the storm, Schumer is pushing for a boost in funding f… Continue Reading
09.06.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE SARATOGA COUNTY AIRPORT IS SET TO RECEIVE NEARLY $200,000 IN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR RUNWAY, TAXIWAY IMPROVEMENTS
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Saratoga County Airport is set to receive $199,494 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, the grant will allow the airport to design an apron, where aircraft are parked, boarded and fueled, with improved structural integrity. Also, the funding will allow for the design of a new runway visual guidance system that will make the airport more accessible to pilots by… Continue Reading
09.06.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SULLIVAN COUNTY TO RECEIVE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FROM FEMA
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Sullivan County public assistance to help rebuild and repair infrastructure damaged by Irene. After this type of assistance was not made available in the President's initial emergency declaration, Senator Schumer immediately called for Sullivan County to be added to the list of eligible counties, in a personal phone call with Administrator Fugate. The county is now eligible for assi… Continue Reading
09.01.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND PUSH TO BOOST FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING TO HELP NEW YORK REBUILD AFTER IRENE
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand wrote to Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew, urging the Obama administration to seek sufficient funding for the Disaster Relief Fund to cover the cost of damage to New York communities in the wake of Irene. Governor Cuomo has estimated that the damage costs in New York alone would exceed $1 billion, but the federal disaster relief fund currently only has $792 million available. The funds in this account are meant… Continue Reading
08.25.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $160,000 COMING TO PORT OF OSWEGO TO BEEF UP PORT SECURITY, SURVEILLANCE, AND IMPROVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Today, Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Port of Oswego Authority is set to receive $160,400 through the Port Security Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will be used to build and install a 17 camera Integrated Surveillance System at the Port of Oswego Authority. This surveillance system will be accessible to all levels of law enforcement involving the Oswego Harbor, and will help the U.S. port prepare fo… Continue Reading
08.17.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $1.5 MILLION IN USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN COMING TO CARLTON; INVESTMENT WILL HELP EXPAND DRINKING WATER SERVICE TO CARLTON RESIDENTS
Today, United States Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Town of Carlton is set to receive a $1,534,000 Water and Waste Disposal Loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Specifically, the Town of Carlton will use this loan to expand drinking water service to 87 new customers in three locations in the Town of Carlton. Carlton has a townwide water district serving 1,300 residences. "Our rural communities are the heart and soul of New York," said Sch… Continue Reading
