U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer
and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Senate Appropriations Interior
and Environment Subcommittee has approved the FY10 Appropriations Bill which
includes $200,000 for the North Country Cultural Center for the
Arts. The funding would be used to restore the Historic 1924 Strand
Theatre for use as a performing arts center and economic engine for Clinton,
Franklin and Essex County and to serve as the lynchpin of the Plattsburgh
Downtown Revitalization Project. Schumer and Gillibrand worked closely
with members of the Appropriations Subcommittee to include funding for the
project in this year’s spending bill.
“This is a big win for Plattsburgh
and the entire North County,” said Schumer. “Not only will this project
lead the way for revitalizing the area, it will give families access to
high-quality theatre productions and educational programs. The theater
will help draw tourists from all over the state and across the border to
provide an economic boost to the local economy. I will work to see this funding
through the appropriations process so that residents and visitors alike can
enjoy the arts center and all it has to offer.”
“In Plattsburgh this spring, I heard first hand from
community leaders that restoring the historic Strand Theater was a critical
part of local economic development,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As a
Mother of two young sons, I know firsthand the importance of music and
art. This investment in the arts is an important part in our identity and
culture. During these tough economic times, we must support the arts as a
creative outlet in our community.”
This shovel ready project has
already raised over $1 million locally. The fully restored theatre will be
a cultural landmark in itself and is expected to draw visitors to the City from
Northern New York, Vermont and Canada. The Strand Restoration project has been
identified by two different consultant firms, hired by the city, to be the key
anchor to the revitalization of the area, and it that will attract business to
the North Country and help stop the loss of young educated workers who move to
find a well rounded quality of life.
Now that the bill has been approved
by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, it will be sent to the full Senate
Appropriations Committee. Following approval by the Full Committee and the
Senate, the bill will move towards Conference with the House and then to the
President for signature.