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U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) held a news conference at Troy City Hall Tuesday morning to highlight how money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act could benefit local communities through high tech investments, infrastructure spending, Medicaid, and other funding streams. Rep. Tonko was joined by Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino and other officials from Troy, Rensselaer County and surrounding communities.

"I stand here today with both Democrats and Republicans because we need to set aside partisan differences and work together to fight for our share of the stimulus funds," said Rep. Tonko. "I voted for the plan because of its potential to benefit the taxpayers of the Capital Region both in terms of creating and retaining jobs and repairing our aging infrastructure. Troy is a good example of what communities throughout the district face -- water and sewer lines are breaking down, and it affects the quality of life and creates challenges in terms of attracting new economic development. We face a looming crisis if we can't repair our aging infrastructure. These funds could be a down payment on rebuilding our communities, and I will work closely with Governor Patterson's office to ensure that local projects receive the attention they deserve."

Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian said, “We are pleased that Congressman Tonko is taking on a leadership role of ensuring that municipalities throughout New York State receive their share of the stimulus package. It is my belief that these funds will be a great benefit to communities seeking to complete infrastructure improvements in the coming years. These repairs and upgrades are badly needed, and now is the time to pursue the projects vehemently.”

"I want to thank Congressmen Tonko for keeping those of us in local government informed of the programs and funding that are part of the federal stimulus package. The national economic crisis has affected us all as residents lose their jobs as well as the value in their homes, and businesses lose customers unable or afraid to make purchases," said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino. "I am hopeful that the projects we submitted to the State and Federal Governments receive stimulus funding as I know they will create needed jobs while making Rensselaer County more attractive to businesses and families thereby helping us grow our local economy and continue to provide the local programs and services our residents depend on."

New York State stands to receive an estimated $24.6 Billion in total funds from the recovery package, including:

•$11 billion in Medicaid relief
•$4 billion in infrastructure and energy
•$4.4 billion for health and human services programs -- including $1.2 billion for extension of unemployment benefits and administration, and $1.3 billion in additional funds for food stamps
•$2 billion in education aid
The White House is estimating the recovery package will create or retain 215,000 jobs in New York State, and 7,500 in the 21st Congressional District -- which includes all of Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties, and parts of Saratoga, Rensselaer and Fulton Counties.
                                                                                     

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