Rep. Velázquez Secures $11,196,140 For Local Projects in Government Funding Package

March 6, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) voted to finalize $11,196,140 in Community Project Funding that she previously secured for New York’s 7th District in the 2024 spending bills. This funding, included in the first of the appropriations government funding packages, responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Brooklyn and Queens.
 
“I am proud to have secured over $11 million in federal funding in this bill that I know will help meet long overdue community needs in New York's 7th District,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “From developing our youth, and improving local playgrounds, to protecting the local environment and strengthening public safety – these investments will grow our economy, making a real difference in the lives of so many in our community. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, and stronger.”
 
Rep. Velázquez secured funding for 14 projects that will directly benefit New York’s 7th District residents. These include:
 

  • $750,000 for 9 Million Reasons at Evangel Church to support food pantry operation expansion
  • $500,000 for East River Development Alliance/Urban Upbound for crime prevention and recidivism reduction through support and economic opportunities, employment, entrepreneurship, and small business development in Western Queens spanning Queensbridge, Ravenswood and Woodside developments
  • $450,000 for Queens Economic Development Corporation/Queens Together for Fresh Plate-Fresh Start to provide justice-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals with training in the food industry and connection to employment opportunities at local businesses
  • $1,500,000 for YMCA of Greater New York to support construction of a new Greenpoint YMCA
  • $500,000 for NYC Department of Environmental Protection for the Gateway to Greenpoint stormwater infrastructure project with public open green space
  • $650,000 for NYC Department of Environmental Protection for Dutch Kills Shoreline Restoration constructing a living shoreline with integrated stormwater management and public access along Newtown Creek
  • $1,116,279 for NYCHA Atlantic Terminal Site 4B fire alarm system upgrades
  • $2,000,000 for NYCHA Farragut Houses playground upgrade and improvement for residents and the surrounding community
  • $963,000 for Boricua College to fund Crime Prevention and Recidivism Reduction through Supportive Services and Opportunities
  • $1,000,000 for St. Nicks Alliance to relocate and expand their workforce center
  • $450,000 for Sunnyside Community Services for Community Center Renovation to improve accessibility and building efficiency for community programming
  • $216,861 for Sunnyside Shines BID/District Management Association to support the Sunnyside Streetscape project in the Business Improvement District
  • $350,000 for Switching Lifestylez Youth Initiative in Residence at JACK Arts to provide mentorship, guidance and support for justice-involved youths and their families in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill and surrounding communities
  • $750,000 for East New York Community Land Trust to support the ENYCLT Affordable Homeownership Project
     

House Democrats were successful in removing harmful extreme House Republican policies from these bills that attempted to make abortion illegal everywhere, slash efforts to fight climate change, and threaten our national security. Instead, these final bipartisan 2024 funding bills will help keep our communities safe, fight inflation, and boost our economy. Taken together, the funding for New York’s 7th District and the funding increases for critical government programs will continue to grow our local economy and support our communities.
 
This legislation is expected to be signed into law by President Biden later this week. A detailed summary of the bill is available here.

 
###