July 10, 2021
Dear Friends,
Last week our nation cheered as the House of Representatives voted to pass our Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act, bold infrastructure legislation that would make valuable, lasting investments in our nation’s critical systems. That bill includes provisions I authored to fix America’s drinking water systems, strengthen national limo safety standards, spur investment in EV infrastructure, and maintain dozens of U.S. heritage areas including our own Erie Canalway.
I built on that strong momentum this week with visits to five of the local infrastructure projects spanning New York's Capital Region that I was able to get included in the bill. If signed into law, these smart and impactful projects would bring $19,955,000 in federal dollars into our region to help lift up our communities, open new paths of opportunity and drive our local and national economic recovery.
Here are a few highlights from my visits to the five infrastructure projects I was able to secure in the INVEST in America Act.
- I held a strategy roundtable with local leaders and stakeholders in Amsterdam on a Multi-Modal Pedestrian Connector Project. This project would connect the City of Amsterdam and downtown with our beautiful waterfront, improving quality of life and access for countless residents.
- I hitched a ride on one of CDTA’s electric buses for a tour of their proposed bus route that will extend vital transportation services into Montgomery County while advancing our clean energy future with these remarkable low-maintenance zero-emissions vehicles. CDTA’s project would go toward the purchase of a fleet of eight electric buses for that line and to serve our region.
- I connected with leaders and stakeholders in Schenectady who gathered input from across their community, including local kids, to help develop the Craig Street Corridor Project to construct multimodal elements and safety infrastructure. This project would build a physical and social bridge to strengthen bonds and empower access in the Mont Pleasant and Hamilton Hill communities.
- I spoke with leaders in Troy and Watervliet about the Route 2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Project, a to create a scenic bicycle and pedestrian route along the Congress Street Bridge that would foster connection, growth and opportunities between the two cities with this project.
- I visited Clifton Park to view their NY 146 and NY146A Bicycle & Pedestrian Project to expand a popular pathway and increase safety measures to protect residents and students who frequent the walkway.
At each of these sites, and throughout my tour, I was lifted by the dedication of the many local leaders and community members who are ready to help bring these impactful projects to life. Their passion and vision for these projects fills my voice in Washington and makes me more optimistic than ever that we can bring this funding home.
These worthy projects, and the bold investments throughout our INVEST in America Act, not only speak to the transportation needs of our communities, they will also create new jobs, spur our social and economic recovery, drive community development and help us all reach toward our best, brightest future. I’ll continue to do everything in my power to ensure that these vital measures make it to the President’s desk.
As always, thank you for reading. And stay safe.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
Throughout this pandemic, my office and I have worked to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations on any and all COVID-19 related topics. With that in mind here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that there will be a two-week extension to the application due date of their Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), which assists in securing small business loans, forbearances, and grants for small businesses that are minority owned, in low income areas and underserved communities.
- Due to the disproportionate impact of COVID 19 on small businesses and low-income areas, the Treasury Department launched the ECIP in March, 2021
- The Treasury has set aside over nine billion dollars with the goal of assisting small and moderate sized businesses in crisis
- In addition to the two-week extension, there is an opportunity for businesses who have already submitted an application to make changes to their application where they see fit.
- To start a new application for the ECIP, visit their portal HERE.