Schumer: It Is Time That The Federal Government Steps Up To The Plate For Our Community Parks

Statement

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today launched his effort to make federal funding available for underdeveloped community parks, like LaSalle Park in Buffalo. Schumer explained that, currently, there is no federal source of funding for community parks. In fact, the current funding structure results in almost no funding going towards urban parks, which serve for many communities as the only access for residents to greenspace and outdoor recreation. As a result, a new Schumer-led bill would address this lack of federal funding that community parks receive by making many Upstate NY cities, like Buffalo, eligible to apply for millions in federal grants that would allow them to improve community parks for outdoor recreation. Schumer is therefore urging his colleagues in Congress to pass this bill, which would allow municipalities around New York State to access the federal resources they need to improve community parks and regional tourism opportunities for residents and visitors.

"It is an absolute travesty that, right now, there is virtually no way for our community and urban parks to access the critical federal funding they need to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors," said Schumer. "The City of Buffalo and its local partners have put together a proposed plan that would do just that for the LaSalle Waterfront Park. However, this project is not eligible to even apply for the federal funding it could use to get this underway. My legislation would create a dedicated grant program so that communities like Buffalo can access millions of dollars for park and outdoor recreation improvements."

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