IN WEST NYACK, REP. JONES & LOCAL LEADERS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Federal Funding Is Part Of More Than $8 Million That Congressman Jones Secured For Community Projects In NY-17 In The FY22 Omnibus Package; Joint Federal And State Investment Will Deliver Resources To Strengthen West Nyack’s Infrastructure And Revitalize Public Green Spaces
West Nyack, NY — Today, U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones (D-NY) joined local community leaders in West Nyack to announce nearly $1.2 million in federal and state infrastructure and environmental resilience funding for West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown. The funding includes $1 million in community project funding delivered through the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) omnibus appropriations bill for West Nyack revitalization projects. Rep. Jones was joined by State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick to announce $180,000 in state funding secured by the senator to improve walkability and pedestrian safety through the State and Municipal Facilities Capital Program, known as SAM grants, as well Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann.
“The West Nyack Revitalization project represents so much more than a simple infrastructure upgrade,” said Rep. Jones. “It reflects a crucial investment in the safety, well-being and resiliency of this community, both its people and its natural environment. By that, I mean that this project won’t just reduce flooding, and improve walking and driving conditions, but it will do so in a way that helps to fortify our communities against climate change. I’m inspired by the communities right here in New York’s 17th District who are tackling necessary infrastructure updates in a way that addresses environmental needs as well as human needs, finding solutions that are mutually beneficial– and I’m proud to have delivered resources, along with my colleagues on the state and local level, that will help make these projects a reality.”
“I want to thank Representative Mondaire Jones and State Senator Reichlin-Melnick for partnering with Clarkstown to invest in the revitalization of West Nyack,” said Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann. “The critical infrastructure improvements being undertaken here will ensure that the flooding that has bedeviled the area in the past will be eliminated, paving the way for investment and jobs to flourish here in West Nyack. When completed, West Nyack will benefit from a safer, wider road and 119 new parking spaces. Pedestrians will enjoy improved crosswalks, new sidewalks, and an influx of additional energy efficient lighting. In addition to these improvements, the newly constructed West Nyack Hamlet Green and Firefighter Memorial Park with its accessible playground and walking trail will attract families to West Nyack, generating additional economic activity in the hamlet center.”
“I’m proud to support Clarkstown’s revitalization efforts in West Nyack,” said State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. “Delivering state grants to the municipalities I represent is one of the most direct ways that I can help our district. The new sidewalks will make it safer for families to walk to and from residences and businesses in West Nyack and access the beautiful new park and playground at the hamlet center.”
The funding will be divided into two phases. Phase One focuses on stormwater management, and will restore the wetland and stream habitats of West Nyack Hamlet Green to create a natural floodplain and a protected habitat for native plant species. The funding for Phase One will also renovate West Nyack Hamlet Green Park, adding new walking trails, an accessible playground, landscaping, and two memorials to local first responders, as well as restoring the gazebo and other community gathering spaces. Phase Two will focus on local streetscape renovations and improved water drainage, as well as building new sidewalks, curbs, green space, and benches to increase pedestrian safety and revitalize community areas.
From environmental restoration to infrastructure improvements to increasing the availability of public housing, the funding secured for community projects is critical to improving the everyday lives of the people in Clarkstown and across the 17th Congressional District. Congressman Jones secured over $8 million in community project funding in the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus package passed this year, and has fought for critical infrastructure investments throughout NY-17.