Congressman Lawler Announces $35.9 Million in Community Project Funding Including $8 Million for Town of Ramapo Sidewalks and Public Safety

By M.C. Millman

The final bipartisan 2024 approbations bill passed earlier today includes $35.9 million in funding secured by Congressman Mike Lawler for District 17.

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees released the first package of final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills on Sunday, March 3. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024 was set to be considered in the House during the week of March 4. The bipartisan appropriations package that passed the House today included funding for 17 projects across the 17th District. The $35.9 million in funding for the 17 projects is more than quadruple the amount of funding brought back by the 17th District’s previous representative in FY2022.

“I am thrilled to have secured almost $36 million in funding for communities across New York’s 17th District,” said Congressman Lawler. “The projects range from providing clean drinking water for tens of thousands of residents to repairing aging infrastructure and dams to expanding pedestrian safety and accessibility, and this funding will significantly improve the quality of life of residents across the Hudson Valley.”

The Town of Ramapo can look forward to receiving $8 million in Streetscape improvements. The funding will be used to install sidewalks in the town. The improvements will improve pedestrian safety by providing a dedicated space for residents to walk, creating overall safer conditions for pedestrians and motorists. The lack of sidewalks is potentially hazardous to people walking on them, and this will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and improve ADA compliance.

"We are grateful for this Appropriation," Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht shares with Rockland Daily,  "and as we move forward, we will share more information as to how these funds will be used to improve safety and quality of life for our residents."

The Village of Kaser will receive $1.5 million for Route 306 road improvement, which will be used to widen Route 306 between Rita Avenue and Maple Avenue and install turning lanes, traffic signals, and crossing signals.

Lawler secured $1 million for Shared Transit Improvements in the Village of New Square. The funds will be used to further establish a public transportation system in the Village, improve bus shelters and purchase three commuter transit buses.

The Town of Haverstraw will receive $800,000 for the Haverstraw Streetscape Improvements Project. The funding will be used for the construction of sidewalks and repaving of roads. Presently, the sidewalks and roads are in disrepair and potentially hazardous to people walking on them. This project will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and improve deteriorated sidewalks to ADA compliance. The sidewalks are the walkway to the Town’s commuter lot which brings commuters to New York City. They are also in front of multiple townhouses and condo complexes where approximately 5,000 people reside.

Another $1.25 million will improve the sewer treatment in Orangeburg for the Rockland County Sewer District No. 1 by replacing three mechanical-type bar screens, which the District utilizes daily, and upgrading the existing screenings building.

Additional funding secured by Lawler includes $1.6 million to fund a resource hub for disadvantaged children, adults, and seniors under the auspices of the Community Outreach Center.

Congressman Lawler's 18th project, which will assist with $2.1 million for Jeffrey Court Flood Prevention in the Town of Clarkstown, is expected to be fully funded in the next appropriations package.

“When I took office, I promised Hudson Valley residents that I wouldn’t stop fighting for them and their priorities in Washington, D.C. and this funding is the latest example of keeping that promise,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “By returning quadruple the amount of Community Project Funding that the former member representing NY-17 did in FY2022, it’s clear we’re delivering for Hudson Valley families.”