SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Funding to improve rapid-transit services in Syracuse and money for the Food Bank of Central New York were part of more than $20 million in federal funding that is on the way for projects across Central New York.
The projects target public transportation, bolster the local health-care system, protect Lake Ontario’s southern shoreline, combat food insecurity, expand access to clean drinking water, and support victims of child abuse.
The projects are all located in the congressional district of retiring U.S. Representative John Katko (R–Camillus), his office announced last Friday. The funding comes as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $1.7 trillion omnibus government-funding measure for fiscal year 2023.
Projects and funding
- The funding includes $3 million for the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority to implement a new bus rapid-transit line and make improvements to transit services in the city of Syracuse.
- The Town of Owasco will use $2.5 million to upgrade its sewer systems. The funding also includes $2.4 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, per Katko’s office.
- In addition, the Food Bank of Central New York will use $2 million to expand its distribution center and build on efforts to combat food insecurity and child poverty in Central New York.
- The Rescue Mission Alliance of Central New York is getting $1 million to develop a new multi-use building that will support its local emergency shelter.
- On the health-care front, Crouse Hospital will use more than $1 million to improve its rapid-evaluation unit within the emergency department.
- Upstate Medical University is getting $900,000 to establish a new multidisciplinary Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Treatment Center, Katko’s office said.
- The funding also includes $1 million for the City of Syracuse to make essential repairs, correct code violations, and address hazards at properties throughout Syracuse.
- $1 million is going to Cayuga County to purchase updated 911 emergency radio equipment.