AFTER ONE OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE CONGRESSES IN DECADES, AND BEING ELECTED TO A RECORD SETTING 5th TERM TO THE U.S. SENATE, SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES FOR THE 24th TIME; SENATOR CALLS THIS TOUR ONE OF MOST IMPACTFUL OF HIS CAREER; AFTER DELIVERING BILLIONS FOR NY AND CREATING THOUSANDS OF GOOD PAYING JOBS THIS YEAR, SCHUMER FINISHES ANNUAL TOUR OF STATE IN SARATOGA COUNTY, WITH 118 TOTAL VISITS TO UPSTATE NY & LONG ISLAND
During Schumer’s 1998 Senate Election, He Vowed To Visit Every Single New York County Each Year— Now After Re-Election To A Historic 5th Term And Becoming Majority Leader, The Tradition Continues
This Year – As He Led One Of The Most Productive Senates In Decades, Schumer Delivers One Of The Largest Economic Development Project in U.S. History To Upstate NY, Creating Thousands of New Good Paying Jobs, And Secures Billions For Infrastructure, Lowers Prescription Drug Costs, And Passes The Largest Investment Ever To Fight Climate Change
After 24 Years, Schumer Continues To Honor His Pledge And Says He Has No Plans Of Slowing Down
On the heels of being re-elected to a historic 5th term, and while leading one of the most productive Senates in decades, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today completed his 24th consecutive tour of all 62 New York counties — his second while also serving as Majority Leader. Schumer was the first New York public official to visit every single county in New York, a tradition he has continued each year he has been in office.
Over the course of the year, Schumer made 118 county visits to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 19 times; Western New York 12 times; Central New York 18 times; Rochester-Finger Lakes 15 times; the Southern Tier 13 times; the Hudson Valley 16 times; the North Country 7 times; and Long Island 18 times.
“When I made the promise to visit every county in New York every year after my first election, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine doing it as Majority Leader, or that I would be doing so while simultaneously passing some of the most important legislation in generations: from the largest investment ever in fighting climate change, to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, to bringing manufacturing jobs back from overseas to Upstate New York. Although I’ve gained the title of Majority Leader, my proudest title will always remain, New York’s senator and more importantly ‘New Yorker,’” said Majority Leader Schumer. “Now, at the conclusion of one of the most productive legislative sessions in decades and my first Congress as New York’s first U.S. Senate Majority Leader, I confidently can say the tradition of visiting every corner of the Empire State is even more imperative and allows me to deliver for my beloved home state in bigger and bolder ways because of all I learn from my constituents. This year alone, because of the federal legislation I led to passage, the largest economic development project in New York history came to the Syracuse area and will have a statewide impact, and we are seeing thousands of good paying jobs being created in the semiconductor and clean energy industries from Genesee County to the Hudson Valley. Across the state our road, transit, broadband, and water infrastructure is seeing new life from critical federal investment that just a few years ago seemed unobtainable due to budget shortfalls during the height of the pandemic. This year, more than ever before, I know that New York’s future will be brighter than its past. Because of the investment we are making today in rebuilding our infrastructure, fighting climate change, and bringing jobs back from overseas, our children and grandchildren will have the future they deserve right here in New York.”
Schumer added, “At the close of twenty-four years, my beliefs are as clear as ever: ‘Senators who stay in Washington and never return home are simply not doing their job.’ Whether I’m eating ice cream at the State Fair in Syracuse or riding my bike in Brooklyn, New York is always on my mind, and I’m always learning directly from my constituents. To the New Yorkers who’d lost faith that Congress can do big things, this year was for you, and I will never stop fighting to deliver for New York.”
Schumer said that this has been one of the most productive legislative sessions in decades, and with each of the major bills he led to passage, he always had New York top of mind. Some of these major legislative victories passed in his first two years of his leadership included:
· The American Rescue Plan – Delivering over $100 Billion in relief to New York’s state and local governments, workers, small businesses, and health centers so they could recover from the impacts of COVID and build back stronger than before.
· The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act – This year alone New York received $9.3+ billion from the Infrastructure Law with billions more on the way which is helping make long overdue investments in our roads, bridges, transit, airports, broadband, and water infrastructure, including replacing lead pipes, and cleaning up polluted sites to improve the state’s environment and make way for new investment.
· The CHIPS & Science Bill – Senator Schumer authored this bill specifically with Upstate New York in mind, and it has already spurred the largest economic development project in New York State’s, and likely America’s history. This legislation provides generational investments to bring manufacturing back from overseas, help fix America’s supply chain crisis, and prompt billions of investment and the creation of tens of thousands of good paying jobs in communities in every corner of the state.
· The Inflation Reduction Act – This legislation provides the largest investment in fighting climate change in our nation’s history, all while also lowering prescription drug costs and making sure corporations pay their fair share. New York this year reached record levels of clean energy jobs, and these industries will be supercharged by the investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as and will clean up neighborhoods and environments across the state. On top of that, because of this bill, starting in January seniors on Medicare will no longer have to pay more than $35 for insulin, will get free vaccines, and will have their out of pocket costs lowered to $3,250 in 2024 and down to $2,000 in 2025.
These are on top of other major policy accomplishments like the Honoring our PACT Act to help veterans who suffer from toxic exposure, passing marriage equality, historic progress on confirmations for highly qualified diverse federal judges, and much more.
Specifically, in his continued quest to deliver resources to every corner of New York, Schumer highlighted various accomplishments achieved over the past year by region below:
WESTERN NEW YORK
Delivered $25 Million to Reconnect Buffalo with the Rebuilding America's Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity.
After standing with community leaders at Buffalo’s beleaguered “middle” Main Street earlier this year, Schumer delivered $25 million in federal funding to finally fix the roadway between Goodell Street and Kensington Avenue and finally create a safe, walkable, bikeable street. This builds on the senator’s long history of advocacy for Buffalo’s Cars Sharing Main project and the over $33 million he has already delivered for the project. Schumer personally advocated to Transportation Secretary Buttigieg for Buffalo’s selection for funding though the highly competitive Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, which Schumer secured historic funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Brought $25 Million To Western New York To Train Workers For Good Paying Manufacturing Jobs:
Following his personal appeal to President Biden and direct advocacy with Commerce Secretary Raimondo that secured Western New York’s spot as a finalist in the American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, Schumer announced WNY had received $25 million to train workers, particularly those in East Buffalo, for in-demand manufacturing jobs.Schumer said this major federal funding will elevate the region as America’s next major manufacturing hub and position it well for a federal tech hub designation as part of the new Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program that was created in Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act that was signed into law this year. The Western NY Advanced Manufacturing Cluster was one of only 21 final awardees, out of 529 applications submitted from across the country.
Secured General Motors $154 Million Investment At Its Western New York Lockport Components Plant:
Schumer joined GM for their announcement to invest $154 million, and add 230 new, good-paying UAW jobs to their plant in Lockport as they begin production for key components in electric vehicle motors. These investments have been largely spurred by the federal incentives Schumer has long fought to pass going back to his Clean Cars For America Climate Proposal, the federal electric vehicle infrastructure investments he was able to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and most recently the Inflation Reduction Act.
Standing With Buffalo Families Following The Horrific Racially Motivated Mass Shooting In East Buffalo To Pass The First Bipartisan Gun Safety Legislation In Decades:
Following the tragic mass shootings in East Buffalo and in Uvalde, TX, Schumer worked directly with the families and gun safety advocates to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first significant gun safety bill in nearly 30 years. This long overdue step, breaking the vice grip of the gun lobby, would not have been possible without the non-stop advocacy of the families in Buffalo, incentivizing red flag flaws, boosting mental health care, enhancing background checks, and closing dangerous loopholes – and will undoubtedly save lives.
Protected Chautauqua Waterways with $10 Million for Critical Infrastructure Projects:
Schumer secured $10 million for Chautauqua County for long overdue critical water infrastructure projects to keep Western NY communities clean, boost tourism, and keep drinking water safe. This funding, secured as a part of the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus, includes over $8 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and study-design essential breakwater improvements for Dunkirk, Barcelona, and Cattaraugus Creek harbors, and $2 million for the Village of Mayville to replace a contaminated well so that residents can have access to safe clean water.
CENTRAL NEW YORK
Lured Micron To Onondaga County Bringing An Unprecedented Up To $100 Billion Investment And Creating Nearly 50,000 Good Paying New York Jobs:
After years of advocacy, Schumer working hand in hand with Governor Hochul helped deliver the largest economic development project in NY and likely America’s history to Central New York. This extraordinary investment was only possibly because of Schumer's historic, bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which Micron cited directly as the primary reason they built their facility here and not overseas. The mega fab will fundamentally transform the Upstate New York economy for generations to come.
Secured $18 Million To Revitalize The Gateway To Utica’s Downtown:
Following his direct advocacy to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Schumer secured $18+ million for the Utica community through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to modernize the North Genesee Street gateway to downtown Utica. Specifically, the federal funding will replace two deteriorating bridges that cross the Mohawk River and the National Historic Erie Canal that connect North Utica and rural areas to Utica’s downtown center.
Delivered $318 million for Rome’s Air Force Research Laboratory:
Schumer secured $293 million for Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome to research and develop the next generation of supercomputers, expand its testing of unmanned aerial systems, develop and manufacture an advanced quantum photonic system, and open a new “Quantum Computing Test Bed.” This funding, secured in the FY22 budget, will bolster one the largest economic engines in the Mohawk Valley economy with good paying jobs, all while strengthening our national security for next generation technology. Schumer alsosecured $25 million in federal funding to spur a new phase in the partnership between GlobalFoundries & PsiQuantum to expand research and development spearheaded out of the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York (Rome Lab), to manufacture and test photonic quantum computing technology that will create jobs, help attract and retain top scientific talent to Upstate New York, and will make critical progress to compete with China to develop a first of its kind quantum super computer.
Landed Breeze Airway at Syracuse Hancock International Airport:
Following Senator Schumer’s long history of fighting for affordable air service to Upstate New York, and after a personal meeting with the Breeze CEO, Schumer announced that Breeze Airways will begin to offer service from Syracuse to unserved, high demand areas particularly on the West Coast and in the Southeast.
CAPITAL REGION
Secured Over $9 Million For Capital Region Fire Departments To Train Emergency Personnel And Address Staffing Shortages:
After delivering over $1 million through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Program to the Troy Fire Department for paramedic training and Schenectady Fire Department for equipment, Schumer successfully delivered a total of nearly $8 million to the Saratoga Springs and Troy Fire Departments through the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, the third and fourth largest grants in New York State history. This historic funding will help hire of dozens of new desperately needed firefighters and emergency personnel in the Capital Region.
Confirmed Capital Region Native Anne Nardacci To The Northern District Federal Bench – A Historic Achievement Making A Majority Women Active Judge Bench:
Schumer personally recommended Capital Region native Anne Nardacci to President Biden for nomination as District Court Judge for the Northern District of New York., she is the third woman Schumer has recommended to serve on the NDNY bench, following Mae D’Agostino and Brenda Sannes. Nardacci was successfully confirmed on November 30th, transforming the NDNY bench from zero full time female judges to 60% female full time judges, all recommended by Senator Schumer.
Delivered $4 Million To Revitalize Downtown Troy By Transforming Blighted Abandoned Buildings Into New Affordable Housing:
The Taylor Apartments revitalization project is underway thanks to Senator Schumer delivering $3 million in American Rescue Plan funds to the City of Troy and over $1 million from HUD that was delivered to the Troy Housing Authority. The long-vacant apartment towers along Troy’s waterfront have long been an eyesore for the city. Troy officials had wanted to remove them for years but did not have the funding to begin. Now the demolition, funded entirely with federal dollars Schumer secured, is ongoing and construction on new affordable housing in its place is on track to begin this spring.
Joined CDTA To Announce The Groundbreaking For Region’s First Gateway Mobility Hub:
In April, Schumer visited downtown Schenectady to break ground on the Capital District Transportation Authority’s Gateway Mobility Hub. This first-of-its-kind transit center will be backed with 80% federal funding Senator Schumer secured. This it is the culmination of unprecedented $296 million for Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in emergency COVID relief and new investment like the purchase of a dozen new electric buses that Schumer delivered. The CDTA Gateway Mobility Hub will increase transit accessibility, accelerate economic recovery, and help revolutionize transportation for the entire Capital Region by providing carshare, bike and scooter-share programs while connecting to CDTA’s newly expanded service into Montgomery County.
Delivered Over $22 Million For Community Led Capital Region Projects:
Schumer visited the Blake Annex in downtown Albany to announce over $22 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to accelerate the Capital Region’s economic recovery from the pandemic. These community-led projects include funding to bolster Capital Region non-profits, create a training center in Albany’s South End to prepare workers for jobs in offshore wind tower manufacturing, boost cutting-edge research at local universities, and deliver broadband service to close the digital divide in rural parts of the region.
Secured $117 million Defense Production Act Agreement between GlobalFoundries and the U.S. Department of Defense:
Schumer delivered this $117 million federal investment, which brings together GlobalFoundries and DoD to provide a strategic supply of U.S.-made semiconductors that are critical to national security systems. The senator said that these chips will be used in some of the nation’s most sensitive defense and aerospace applications and will be made in the Capital Region at GlobalFoundries’ Fab 8 facility in Malta, NY.
Championed Legislation to Remove Chinese Chips From Federal Government Supply Chain and Boost Demand for American-Made Chips:
In the wake of leading the historic passage of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, Schumer spearheaded the inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act of a bipartisan amendment to prohibit the U.S. government’s use of certain semiconductor chips made in by companies that are backed by the Chinese Communist Party and China’s military and therefore that pose a significant national security threat. These new provisions will help limit the prevalence of these Chinese-made chips in federal government supply chains, strengthening national security, keeping New Yorkers’ data safe, and boosting demand for more domestically made microchips, including from GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region.
LONG ISLAND
Secured Reversal Of IRS Decision That Unduly Taxed Homeowners Participating In Suffolk County’s Landmark Environmental Improvement Program:
After years of making a stink on the unfair tax liability issue affecting Suffolk’s septic grant program, Schumer secured a determination from the IRS declaring once and for all that Suffolk Septic Improvement Program (SIP) grants are, in fact, tax exempt and that there is an avenue to reimbursement for those who already made tax payments. The SIP replaces outdated and environmentally-damaging residential cesspools and septic systems with nitrogen-reducing ones. The program has attracted rightful interest of residents – 1,000+ homeowners have participated so far – but many participants unexpectedly faced high tax bills and other related financial ramifications, while many other residents have not participated because of confusion and worry regarding tax liability, hampering the County’s environmental restoration efforts. Earlier this year, Schumer wrote to the USDA secretary advocating for him to declare that SIP grants are made primarily for conservation purposes and thus eligible for exemption from income tax calculations. Once the USDA made the declaration, Schumer called on the IRS to reverse their original ruling that homeowners must be taxed for utilizing the grants.
Pumped $5.2 Million Into Hempstead Village To Repair And Replace Faltering Water And Sewer Infrastructure:
As part of the FY22 federal budget process, Schumer secured $3.2 million for the Village of Hempstead to improve its aging, deteriorating water treatment plant and to install distribution mains in downtown areas. Upgrades are needed to ensure the local water system meets projected demand in the village over the next 15 years and to ensure water flow throughout the system meets fire safety standards. He also secured inclusion of $2 million for the Village of Hempstead’s sewer system improvements, including the construction of a new gravity sewer main that will allow for the construction of new housing and commercial developments throughout the village’s downtown core.
Halted Plans To Shutter Services At Northport VAMC, Preserving Care For Over 31,000 Long Island Veterans:
Under the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission plan released in March, Northport VAMC would have been gutted: the emergency department would have shut and urgent-care services would have moved to an outpatient clinic in Commack; residential rehabilitation treatment would have transitioned 42 miles away to Queens; and, inpatient rehabilitation for blind patients would have moved to Connecticut, leaving only inpatient mental health, residential nursing home care, and rehabilitation medicine at Northport. Schumer immediately launched an all-out push to prevent closure, rallying with dozens of veterans outside Northport VAMC to fight the loss of critical local care access. In June, Schumer announced that the AIR Commission process would not move forward, protecting the healthcare services for over 31,000 Long Island veterans.
Delivered $10 Million For Stony Brook University To Establish A New Biomedical Research Network On Long Island:
To bolster Long Island’s burgeoning biotechnology industry as well as continued success and innovation at institutions like Brookhaven National Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Lab, and Stony Brook University (SBU), Schumer secured $10 million for Stony Brook to create and grow the Long Island Network for Clinical and Translation Science (LINCATS). This federal funding will allow SBU to scale-up operations of a research and healthcare service network, creating an ecosystem that will fast track the application of new scientific discoveries into clinical medical care. The overall mission of LINCATS is to accelerate the public health impact of research, especially for underserved communities across Long Island. Not only will LINCATS put Long Island on the map as a center of clinical healthcare research, it will also help provide innovative new treatments to benefit more patients throughout the region.
Restored Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In Hard-Earned Pension Benefits For Thousands Of Long Island Retirees:
After visiting union pensioners at Teamsters Local 707 in 2018 and working from then on in bipartisan fashion with Rep. Peter King and Suffolk Legislator Kevin McCaffrey on multiemployer pension relief, Schumer successfully delivered pension relief for over one-million union workers and families across America, including over 600,000 in New York. In early 2022, $725 Million was delivered to Hempstead-based Local 707’s pension plan, one of the first plans in the nation to receive this sorely-needed funding. Over 4,000 retired Long Island and NYC truck operators and delivery drivers – many of whom saw their hard-earned monthly pension bills cut by 2/3 through no fault of their own – had their payments fully restored and received full back pay, ensuring economic stability in their golden years.
Ensured Reimbursement Of Housing Costs For Long Islanders Who Elevate Their Homes As Part Of Fire Island To Montauk Point Coastal Resiliency Project:
Schumer negotiated and secured the inclusion of a provision in the Water Resources Development Act that will allow homeowners that choose to elevate their homes as part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) coastal resiliency project to be reimbursed up to $20,000 for relocation costs during the home renovation process. FIMP home elevation is voluntary and much of construction cost will paid by the federal government thanks to Schumer’s efforts during Superstorm Sandy recovery. This new provision to reimburse homeowners for temporary relocation costs will further ease the elevation process and allow for greater participation from eligible residents. FIMP – 100% fed-funded thanks to Schumer – is a coastal storm risk management project designed to limit damage along Long Island’s south shore in a way that balances risks to human life and property, while maintaining, enhancing, and restoring ecosystem integrity and coastal biodiversity. The Project includes beach, dune, and berm construction, as well as breach response plans on barrier islands; inlet management; groin modifications; and coastal process features. It also includes the potential elevation and flood proofing of approximately 4,400 structures located in the 10-year floodplain.
ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES
Following Schumer’s Push And Passage Of His CHIPS And Science Act, Edwards Vacuum Agrees To Build A $319 Million, 600 Job Facility At Genesee County’s STAMP Site:
Schumer in a personal pitch to Edwards Vacuum CEO successfully convinced the company to choose Genesee County’s Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing (STAMP) Park for its new 600- job semiconductor supply chain factory, making what will be the County’s largest manufacturing investment in more than 50 years. Spurred by Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, Edwards decided to build a new factory in the U.S. and onshore production from overseas to serve the expanding semiconductor manufacturing industry brought about thanks to the federal incentives included in Schumer’s legislation.
Delivered $7.5 Million In EDA Funding To Expand Rochester’s Strong Museum:
Schumer personally advocated to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for Rochester’s Strong National Museum of Play funding through the Schumer-led American Rescue Plan (ARP) Competitive Tourism program to boost their ongoing expansion. The funding will directly assist in the construction of the Digital Worlds Exhibit, Outdoor Plaza & Commons, and the Outdoor Play Exhibit. This grant is expected to create over 120 jobs, attract more visitors at the museum, and will generate over $160 million in annual tourism revenue for the Finger Lakes Region.
Secured Assistance From U.S. Department Of Defense Military Medical Teams To Aid Rochester’s Strong Hospital In Combatting COVID-19 Surge:
Following his visit to Strong Hospital in Rochester earlier this year, Schumer wrote a letter to FEMA’s Administrator Deanne Criswell personally urging FEMA to aid New York State in their fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic to combat the surge and staffing shortage overwhelming Upstate hospitals. As a result of Schumer’s efforts, the federal government heeded his call and sent two Department of Defense Military Medical Teams to Strong Hospital to combat the wave of new cases. The teams included around 20 members each, and provided relief for local doctors and nurses in their fight against the COVID surge.
Spurred By Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, Corning Incorporated Completed A $139 Million Investment Expansion Of Its Fairport Advanced Optics Center in Monroe County:
Schumer announced that Corning Inc. is expanding its Fairport Advanced Optics Center by constructing a new laser optics production facility in the Town of Gates. Corning cited the increased demand for their components with the growth of the semiconductor industry spurred by Schumer’s CHIPS and Science bill, as a catalyst for their investment in the facility. Specifically, Corning will expand operations in Monroe County to produce equipment needed by major semiconductor manufacturers and is expected to add over 270 new good paying jobs at its facility in the Village of Fairport.
HUDSON VALLEY
Cleaned Up And Revitalized Ulster’s Former TechCity Campus To Transform The Once Asbestos-Ridden Dump Site To An Emerging Clean Energy Hub:
Following his July 2021 personal visit to the asbestos-contaminated former TechCity site, where Schumer called on EPA to fully clean up and restore Ulster’s former economic engine, National Resources purchased the site and soon-after announced plans to make it the future home of thousands of new jobs. Stepping in to make these plans reality, in July of 2022, the senator called on Zinc8 to bring 500 clean energy jobs to the iPark87 campus. By August of 2022, Zinc8 signed a letter of intent to make the site its future home, citing Schumer’s efforts in its decision. At the same time, this summer, alongside EPA and National Resources, Schumer formally launched the clean-up work leading to the notorious asbestos piles’ removal this fall.
Halted The VA’s Plan To Close Castle Point VA Medical Center To Preserve Access To Care For 7,000 Hudson Valley Veterans:
After standing shoulder to shoulder with Hudson Valley veterans in March to fight the proposal to close the Castle Point VA Hospital, Schumer announced that the independent Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission process that included VA-recommended facility closures would not move forward. The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee followed suit taking the Hudson Valley VA hospital off the chopping block and protecting the healthcare services for nearly 7,000 Hudson Valley veterans.
Delivered Hundreds Of Millions To Completely Overhaul Mount Vernon’s Sewage System And Combat The Decades-Long Crisis:
Shortly after taking office, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard approached Senator Schumer to assist the city in addressing its ongoing sewage crisis, where years of underinvestment impacted 70,000 residents, andhe pledged to deliver the funding needed. Schumer, along with Congressman Bowman, personally delivered$3 million to jumpstart the repairs of the aging water infrastructure. This is in addition to over $6.5 million in local aid allocated for the project Schumer was able to deliver to Mount Vernon through the American Rescue Plan. In addition, thanks to funding Schumer was able to deliver through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New York State was able to commit $150 million to completely overhaul Mount Vernon’s sewage system.
Secured Key Federal Approvals To Begin Construction On Long-Awaited Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Flood Risk Management Project Following Hurricane Ida:
Following years of advocacy and his personal visit to the Village of Mamaroneck after the devastation of Hurricane Ida, Senator Schumer secured the federal share of funding for the design and construction of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Flood Risk Management Project. After the project was stalled for years under the Trump administration, the senator made multiple direct calls to top administration officials, and passed a $1.5 billion disaster supplemental to fast track Ida-impacted projects. Because of Schumer’s efforts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finally gave the greenlight for the Mamaroneck project to begin construction through its annual work plan this year.
Secured Over $28 Million To Create New State-Of-The-Art Rhinecliff Train Station:
After launching an all-out push on the dilapidated steps of the train station in February of 2020, Schumer successfully secured $28 million to go towards New York State's work in overhauling the severely outdated and crumbling Rhinecliff Station to give Hudson Valley commuters the modern, accessible train station they have desperately needed in Dutchess County.
SOUTHERN TIER
Secured $63+ Million For Binghamton University To Create A Battery Manufacturing And Research Hub Through The American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge:
After his direct advocacy helped BU’s New Energy NY project become a finalist in the BBB Regional Challenge, Schumer fought non-stop, calling the Commerce Secretary directly, penning an op-ed, and personally visiting to highlight Binghamton and the Southern Tier’s potential within the battery research industry. In September, Schumer announced that following his efforts BU’s project was awarded $63+ million in federal funding, with a matching $50 million contributed by NYS. This funding will help establish the Greater Binghamton area as a national hub for battery manufacturing and R&D, help create thousands of good-paying jobs, and bolster our domestic supply chains and national security by revitalizing the domestic production of batteries vital to our countries clean energy future.
Delivered $2.75 Million For The Waverly Central School District To Establish The Chemung Center For Innovation:
As part of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2022 spending package, Schumer personally secured over $2.75 million for the Waverly Central School District to transform the vacant Chemung Elementary School into the Chemung Center For Innovation for training programs to help support local businesses. The Center will provide high school students with hands-on STEM job training needed to secure good-paying jobs upon graduation in local industries such as clean energy technology and transportation equipment manufacturing.
Secured $4 Million For Alfred University To Conduct Advanced Ceramics Materials Research With The U.S. Army:
Schumer successfully added $4 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bill for advanced ceramics material research, supporting Alfred University’s cutting-edge research in developing ultra-high temperature ceramic materials for the U.S. Army. This represents a key new partnership between Alfred University and the Army, and will help expand both the university’s ceramics materials science program and innovation in the Southern Tier, as well as strengthen national security as the U.S. continues to develop new cutting-edge ultra-high temperature ceramics for hypersonic vehicles. The funding represents one of the largest research allocations Alfred University has ever received from the federal government for a single project.
Saved Rural Delaware County Hospitals Over $5 Million Annually By Protecting Critical Access Hospital Designation:
After fighting for years to get the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse a disastrous policy change that would have caused nearly a dozen Upstate New York’s rural Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to lose millions in essential reimbursements,Schumer this year got CMS to finally reverse its rules change for the eligibility criteria. The CAH program allows designated providers to receive greater federal reimbursements, keeping financially vulnerable hospitals operating in rural communities that need critical healthcare services most. In total, this is expected to save Southern Tier hospitals over $5.4 million annually, $2.4 million for Margaretville Hospital and $3 million for O’Connor Hospital, along with other Upstate hospitals, for a total of $35 million across Upstate NY.
Delivered Over $5 Million For Ithaca And Tompkins County Local Projects:
Schumer secured Ithaca and Tompkins County communities over $5 million in funding from the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus funding package for local infrastructure and community projects. This includes funding to help the Greater Ithaca Activities Center expand their space and programs for youth, replace the deteriorated South Albany Street Bridge, complete the Dryden Rail Trail, boost sustainability, and bolster downtown economic development.
Secured $8.5 Million to Expand Cornell’s CHESS Lab, Delivering Jobs and Strengthening America’s Technological Competitiveness:
Building on his relentless advocacy to bolster Upstate New York as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing, and history of securing federal funds to support the is critical piece of scientific infrastructure, Senator Schumer secured $8.5 million in additional federal funding for the award-winning Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Lab. Senator Schumer’s efforts have preserved the lab and jobs and leveraged additional NSF funding for expansion- supporting over 150 good-paying science and tech-based jobs at CHESS, plus over 150 new jobs in construction, and will further support a growing innovation economy in Upstate New York and continued American global leadership in research.
NORTH COUNTRY
Saved Rural North Country Hospitals Over $18 Million Annually By Protecting Critical Access Hospital Designation:
After fighting for years to get the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse a disastrous policy change that would have caused nearly a dozen Upstate New York’s rural Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) to lose millions in essential reimbursements, Schumer this year got CMS to finally reverse its rules change for the eligibility criteria. The CAH program allows designated providers to receive greater federal reimbursements, keeping financially vulnerable hospitals operating in rural communities that need critical healthcare services most. In total, this is expected to save North Country hospitals over $18 million annually, $2.4 million for Margaretville Hospital and $3 million for O’Connor Hospital, along with other Upstate hospitals, for a total of $35 million across Upstate NY, $5.3 million for Lewis County, $9.7 million for Carthage Area Hospital, and $3.3 million for Gouverneur Hospital, along with other Upstate hospitals for a total of $35 million across Upstate NY.
Delivered $6 Million To Modernize The St. Lawrence Seaway Visitors’ Center:
After personally visiting the St. Lawrence Seaway Visitors’ Center in 2018 and successfully delivering over $6 million in federal funding through U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the once dilapidated Visitors’ Center. This year the new Visitor’s Center that hadn’t been upgraded in 60 years, was finally able to break ground ensuring North Country tourism can continue to flourish and this important site can be preserved for families and generations to come.
Secured Over $50 Million For Fort Drum To Both Modernize The Outdated Railhead And Fortify The Base’s Water Supply With Safe Drinking Water:
Senator Schumer secured this much needed funding for two key projects at Fort Drum. The first, after years of advocacy, will modernize Fort Drum’s outdated railhead with over $27 million in funding to bring good paying construction jobs to the North Country, improve base readiness to meet deployment requirements and give Fort Drum personnel the resources they need to continue their vital work. The second award of $27 million will fortify Fort Drum’s well water supply, ensuring that the over 35,0000 soldiers and families of Fort Drum have access to safe drinking water, reducing Fort Drum’s reliance on outside sources for its water needs, and safeguarding Fort Drum’s water supply from contaminants.
Delivered $500,000 To Restore Fort Ticonderoga’s Iconic And Historic Walls:
Following years of advocacy for preserving Fort Ticonderoga, Schumer secured $500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the restoration and rehabilitation of this vital tourism and historic anchor in Essex County. Over the nearly 250-year history of the Fort, much of the exterior walls have become damaged due to age and weather, and this funding will prevent the loss or further degradation of this iconic historical site. Schumer visited Fort Ticonderoga in August 2017, and promised then to fight to deliver funding to repair the site’s aging structure, and in his first omnibus as majority leader, he delivered on his promise.
Protected The Adirondacks With Major New Investments In Fighting Climate Change:
In August, following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Senator Schumer visited the Adirondacks, where he broke down the impact the legislation would have for families and the environment in the Adirondack Park and across the North Country. Schumer explained that the climate provisions in this bill will accelerate the domestic production of clean energy and transition to a greener economy, all of which is vital to places like the Adirondacks, which have historically been on the frontlines of fossil fuel pollution like acid rain. Schumer said that this also presents a major opportunity for places like the North Country which are set to benefit not only from major boosts to conservation funding, but also by helping families lower energy costs by upgrading their homes, creating good-paying clean energy jobs, and strengthening rural development, all while fighting climate change.
Delivered Nearly $2 Million To Transform The Plattsburgh YMCA:
After Clinton County lost two of the area’s community recreation centers in 2020, Schumer delivered nearly $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to the Plattsburgh YMCA in order to create a new state-of-the-art health and fitness facility and expand recreation programs. These funds, as part of a larger campaign by the Plattsburgh YMCA, will ensure that they can expand current services that promote health, wellness, and mental health, and help to increase childcare services in Plattsburgh and Clinton County.
Delivered Over $285,000 To Develop A Plattsburgh Welding Workforce Training Program:
Senator Schumer’s leadership was key in delivering a historic funding increase for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) through the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations bill. This funding increase supported the $285,600 NBRC investment, which Schumer pushed for the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce to develop a comprehensive welding training program at the Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing to train 50 individuals and prepare them to enter the workforce as a welder.
Secured $350,000 To Rehabilitate Historic Trudeau Building And Create Jobs In Saranac Lake:
Through his work on the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus, Senator Schumer delivered record-high funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). In turn, the NBRC provided $350,000 to rehabilitate the historic Trudeau Building in Saranac Lake to create an accessible history museum campus in the downtown that will create jobs and drive economic development in the Adirondack North Country.
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