U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they secured $2 million in funding for Staten Island projects as part of the final omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.
The senators secured a total of $2 million for projects across Staten Island, which include funds going toward renovations for Catholic Charities of Staten Island and the renovation and restoration of the historic Casa Belvedere.
“I’m proud to bring these investments that I fought to secure to our Staten Island communities,” said U.S. Senator Gillibrand. “These funds will help preserve a piece of Staten Island history as well as support programs that benefit for our neediest Staten Island communities.”
“This federal funding I secured in the government funding bill will help Catholic Charities improve its food pantry and expand food delivery services on the Island, as well as help restore Casa Belvedere, an Italian cultural center,” said U.S. Senator Schumer. “These important investments in our Staten Island communities will supply food to those in need and restore a cultural landmark for both residents and visitors.”
Organizations receiving funds include:
- Catholic Charities of Staten Island ($1,500,000)
- Catholic Charities of Staten Island plans to renovate Building 4 on its campus to house a food pantry offering client choice in a supermarket-like venue, as well as to purchase mobile pantry vans in order to expand its food delivery capabilities to underserved areas.
- Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation / Saving a NY Majestic Landmark ($500,000)
- The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere celebrates everything Italian with a wide range of public program offerings, including language and cooking classes, art exhibits, and live shows. This funding will help with the continued restoration of the formerly dilapidated vacant property and its adaptation into a cultural institution that is embraced by the general public as a must-see tourism destination.