Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1.5 Million In Federal Funding For Clean-Up At Brownfield Sites Around Upstate New York

Press Release

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1.5 million in federal funding for several regions in Upstate New York. The funding was allocated through the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program. Out of 240 recipients, Schumer and Gillibrand secured funding for six projects to help communities assess, clean up, redevelop and reuse contaminated and abandoned properties. Western New York will receive $500,000 for Niagara County, Hudson Valley will receive $600,000, which includes $400,000 for two projects in Kingston and $200,000 for Wappinger Falls, Rome will receive $200,000, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in the North Country will receive $200,000.

"Brownfields are more than just an eyesore for local residents, they devalue nearby properties, create an immense drag on the local economy, and can endanger our residents," said Senator Schumer. "These federal funds are critical because they will not only help our Upstate municipalities clean up these brownfield properties for the short-term health of residents living near the sites, but also invest in the long-term redevelopment of our communities so we can spur job creation and economic growth for years to come."

"These federal funds provided by the EPA will help communities around Upstate New York make critical infrastructure investments for economic development and environmental restoration," said Senator Gillibrand a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. "By investing in our brownfields, we are able to turn these sites into usable spaces, revitalizing neighborhoods, attracting new businesses, creating new jobs, and improving environmental conditions in the region.

Niagara County will use the federal funding to support a revolving loan fund to support efforts to clean contaminated sites with hazardous substances. The EPA funds will also sued to build upon Niagara County's brownfield inventory, assessment, and remediation efforts and allow Niagara County to build on community support and outreach in cleanup efforts.

"Protecting our environment is a top priority for our county government," said Niagara County Legislator Kathryn L. Lance, R-Wheatfield, who chairs the Legislature's Economic Development Committee. "When it comes to a legacy of environmental contamination that we have inherited as a result of the activities of heavy industry, we must step up and lead on reclaiming our environment. We appreciate the assistance from partners like Sen. Gillibrand, who we know will always be a key supporter of our efforts to obtain federal funds for our brownfields remediation efforts. Putting these former industrial sites back into productive use is important to us, but even more importantly, ensuring the next generation inherits a cleaner environment than their parents and grandparents did is a vital mission of our county government. We're gratified that our representatives in Washington share that commitment."

Kingston in Ulster County will use the federal funding to perform up to 26 environmental site assessments primarily in two areas, Rondout and Waterfront and a central area of Midtown. The funds also will be used to conduct cleanup planning for 10 sites and support community outreach activities.

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