SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE $465,000 GRANT FOR WELLSVILLE TO BUILD NEW WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Senators Called for Federal Investment for Wellsville
Project Expected to Save 645 Jobs, Create Up To 18 New Jobs
Increases Access to Water for Firefighters to Help Save Lives and Allow New Industrial Development
Washington, D.C. – May 7, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a $465,000 grant for the Town of Wellsville from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Economic Development Assistance Programs. This federal funding will be used to update and expand the town’s water infrastructure. In September, Senator Gillibrand sent a letter to the regional director of the EDA requesting funding for Wellsville.
“Access to water is critical to economic growth, public health and public safety,” said Schumer. “This federal grant will have a profound impact on the people of Wellsville and the town’s entire economy. Wellsville is equipped with dedicated workers and resources to help new businesses thrive, and this critical infrastructure funding will help attract more employers to Allegany County and create jobs in the process.”
“This is a much needed investment for Wellsville,” Senator Gillibrandsaid. “Upgrading water infrastructure is an effective way to support local businesses and attract new jobs to Allegany County, and deliver clean drinking water to more local families. And with better water access along the Route 417 corridor, this can help strengthen our firefighters’ capability to serve their community, and keep our families safe.”
“This is very good news for the businesses, industries and residents that the EDA is awarding this grant to this project. This will allow this water district creation and installation to go forward after about 18 years of effort by a lot of people in both government and the private sector,” said Darwin L. Fanton, Town of Wellsville Supervisor. “I would like to thank all of our Federal, State and County representatives for their support of this project. This project is an excellent example of how State and Federal agencies can work together to accomplish local economic development and job retention. A thank you goes out to Western New Your Empire State Development, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Economical Development Administration for the grants they are supplying toward this project.”
With a population of more than 7,000 and growing, Wellsville’s current water systems cannot accommodate new businesses and leaves current businesses with limited access. The new water system will be built along the New York State Route 417 corridor. Funding provided through this grant is expected to create 18 new jobs, save 645 jobs, enhance firefighter’s access to water, and help strengthen Wellsville’s local economy.
Senator Gillibrand’s full letter to EDA Regional Director Willie Taylor is attached.
