Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $750,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take on a broad range of civil works projects for the Capital Region. The federal dollars will help support job creation, rebuild and strengthen critical infrastructure, and enhance security for the Capital Region. The investments are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Senators Schumer and Gillibrand helped pass earlier this year.
“Investing in the Capital Region’s infrastructure is wise in the short and long run,” said Schumer. “These funds will repair our aging infrastructure and create jobs to stimulate the local economy. This is a great use for the economic recovery funds and will improve the quality of life for residents and lay the foundation for future growth in other sectors of the economy such as renewable energy and construction.”
“This is great news for the Capital Region,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “These federal dollars will go a long way to upgrade and restore infrastructure across the Capital Region. This will create jobs across the region and promote long-term economic growth. During these tough economic times, I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”
At the Hudson River Federal Navigation Lock and Dam facility in Troy, $400,000 will be used to remove asbestos insulation for the facility’s buildings, and $350,000 will be used to demolish, dispose and recycle the outdated lockmaster’s cottage at the site.
The funding for these Capital Region public works projects is part of a $4.6 billion investment for the Corps of Engineers to improve infrastructure and safety across America – an investment expected to create 57,400 construction jobs directly and an additional 64,000 indirect jobs to supply and support construction projects.
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand are strong supporters of President Obama’s economic plan. The investment will help create or save more than 200,000 jobs in New York, while laying the foundation of future economic growth with critical investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, health care technology and education.