Gillibrand And Delgado Visit Hudson To Announce New Legislation To Invest In Rural Communities Across New York

Statement

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressman Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19) today visited Hudson Hall to unveil their new legislation that would prioritize federal investment for rural communities and small towns across New York State. The Rebuild Rural America Act would improve the way that the federal government supports development projects in small towns and rural communities in order to better fit their specific needs.

"Rural communities are at the very heart of New York, and their development is key to helping our state, and our nation, succeed. These communities face complex challenges that demand comprehensive and long-term solutions, but the current federal grant system is too narrow and inflexible to fully address their needs," said Senator Gillibrand. "We have to reimagine how the federal government partners with and invests in rural communities, which is why I am proud to unveil the Rebuild Rural America Act. My bill would encourage rural communities to come together as a region and rebuild their economies. I'm proud to partner with Congressman Delgado in this effort to deliver our rural communities the federal support they actually need, and this bill is a good place to start."

"During the last in-district work period, I focused on rural infrastructure and broadband needs in NY-19, and heard from community leaders across the district about the challenges they face when seeking federal grants. From Hobart to Hunter and all across the district, our communities have significant rural infrastructure needs to compete in the modern economy." Congressman Delgado continued, "Today, I'm announcing the introduction of the Rebuild Rural America Act (RRAA) in the House to make sure upstate communities have the opportunity and resources to access federal funding and rebuild aging infrastructure. This bill gives rural communities the funding, flexibility, and technical assistance to do what they know will best help their towns -- including building firehouses, repaving sidewalks, replacing old and failing water systems, and supporting economic development to make sure our upstate communities have what they need to grow and thrive."

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