Politics

Federal funds for Hempstead and Uniondale

Schumer, Rice get federal dollars for infrastructure, education

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On March 15, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations omnibus into law. Representative Kathleen Rice and Senator Chuck Schumer both voted for the bill, which includes $14,235,000 in Community Project Funding that will directly benefit New York's 4th Congressional District. 

"I don't often get to vote on legislation that has such an enormous and immediate impact on my district," said Representative Rice. "I'm proud to be able to deliver the results to Long Island." 

"I'm always working hard to bring federal resources back to Long Island, and this budget agreement is no exception,” said Senator Schumer. 

The funding will address infrastructure improvements, educational programming, money for small businesses, health care including services for LGBTQ individuals, environmental preservation, and parks.

"I am excited and grateful to Congresswoman Rice and Senator Schumer for always advocating for the Village of Hempstead," said Hempstead Mayor, Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. "These funds will help address our antiquated infrastructure and move us further towards a downtown revitalization." 

"Uniondale is an integral part of Hempstead Town, and this $2 million in federal funding will go a long way towards enhancing the area's downtown commercial corridor via strategic streetscape investments," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. 

“This is an historic day that marks a win in the battle for social justice in our community," said Dr. Fauth Vaughn-Shavuo, executive director of the P.E.A.C.E Afterschool Program, Inc. "Thank you, Kathleen Rice, for your continued support of the children and families of the P.E.A.C.E. Afterschool Program, Inc. on Terrace Avenue in Hempstead." The program also serves children from Uniondale. 

"The Long Island FQHC is thankful for Rep. Rice, Senator Schumer and their support," said David Nemiroff, president and CEO of Long Island FQHC. "This money will go directly into improving the Hempstead Health Center." The health center at 135 Main Street serves Uniondale as well as Hempstead Village.

Representative Rice and Senator Schumer jointly championed $5,200,000 in funding for 6 total projects. Three of these have direct impact on Hempstead and Uniondale: 

  • $2,000,000 for the Village of Hempstead sewer system improvements, including the construction of a new gravity sewer main that will allow for the development of new housing and commercial developments.
  • $100,000 for P.E.A.C.E. Afterschool Program of Hempstead for afterschool and summer programs that will further a program to reduce crime in the 100 Terrace Neighborhood in Hempstead.
  • $1,000,000 for Long Island FQHC, Inc. including facilities and equipment at the Hempstead location and additional examination rooms to build capacity for medical services including pediatric, nutritional and behavioral, women's health services. 

Congresswoman Rice individually supported funding for 4 additional projects, for a total of $2,405,000 in funding, of which $2,000,000 goes to Uniondale for economic investments, including streetscape improvements in commercial districts that will enhance pedestrian and motorist safety. 

Senator Schumer individually supported funding for 5 additional projects, for a total of $6,630,000 in funding, which includes $3,200,000 for the Village of Hempstead to improve the village's water treatment plant and to install distribution mains in the downtown areas of Lent Ave., Washington St., Burr Ave., Kellum Place, and Main St.