SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $10+ MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER IN ITHACA TO INSTALL NEW GENERATORS, STRENGTHENING HOPSITAL’S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO MAINTAIN LIFESAVING CARE DURING EXTREME WEATHER
Senators Say New FEMA Funding – At A 90% Federal Cost Share – Will Boost Cayuga Medical Center For Key Power Infrastructure Upgrades, Improving The Hospital’s Ability To Operate During Extreme Weather Like Blizzards
Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Is Generating The Resources So Cayuga Medical Center Can Keep Up Lifesaving Care In The Southern Tier
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $10,450,800 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca to fund the installation of two 2,000-kW emergency generators, a 20,000-gallon underground storage tank, and construct a new building to house the generators and protect them from sub-freezing temperatures and flooding. The funds reimburse the hospital for expenses related to key power infrastructure upgrades and is provided at a 90% federal cost share.
“This $10+ million is a big shot in the arm for Cayuga Medical Center and will ensure the hospital has the resilient infrastructure needed to help keep the lights on and ensure lifesaving care can continue even in extreme weather. With two new emergency generators that are protected against storms and flooding, we are helping ensure Cayuga Medical Center can continue to provide lifesaving care to patients in Ithaca and for the surrounding areas 24/7,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to deliver this funding for Ithaca and the Southern Tier and will never stop fighting to strengthen healthcare infrastructure for all New Yorkers.”
“Cayuga Medical Center is a vital health care resource for thousands of residents in Ithaca and throughout the Southern Tier,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help ensure critical infrastructure improvements are made so local residents can continue to rely on the hospital to provide life-saving care 24 hours a day, seven days week, 365 days a year. I am proud to announce this funding and I will continue to fight to provide resources for New York hospitals.”
“The Southern Tier and Finger Lakes have been subject to numerous severe weather events, including heavy rainfall and devastating flooding. This federal investment will support the installment of critical infrastructure, such as two high-capacity emergency generators and an underground storage tank, that will help to bolster our operational resilience at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca. Now, the facility will be even better equipped to withstand future weather events and ensure the continued delivery of seamless, comprehensive, community-centered care for the many residents we serve. I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his leadership and support,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health.
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