U.S. House OKs $3.5 Million for NY-12

Washington, DC –The 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill approved today in the U.S. House of Representatives includes $3.5 million to benefit community projects in New York’s 12th Congressional District, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) announced. The resources will improve access to affordable healthcare, promote educational opportunities, help workers and small businesses in the tough economy, and give families the tools to stay in their homes and manage their finances.

“Today, we have taken the final steps needed to keep the federal government running and make investments in our communities,” Congresswoman Velázquez said. “These resources will help New York City’s hard working families improve their lives and create a positive future for their children.”

Below is a list of the projects that Congresswoman Velázquez secured funding for in the 2009 Omnibus bill:

City Parks Foundation: $150,000 to support free cultural, educational and recreational programs for youth at parks and recreational centers throughout the 12th Congressional District.

Commission on the Future of the Latino Community in NYC: $122,821 for the establishment of a small business and economic development commission.

Communilife, Inc.: $167,000 for “Life is Precious” demonstration projects to address the alarming rates of depression and suicide in Brooklyn communities.

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation: $122,821 for the Cypress Hills Economic Revitalization Initiative (CHERI) to stimulate the neighborhood’s economy, address the subprime lending crisis and educate residents about protecting their assets over the long-term.

Dance Theatre Etcetera: $71,000 to expand the “Tolerance Through Arts” initiatives at local schools, after-school programs and community centers.

Discipleship Outreach Ministries: $95,000 to provide mobile and on-site mental health services.

Gouverneur Healthcare Services: $380,000 for redevelopment and design work to improve the nursing facility with homelike kitchens, bathing, dining and recreational areas.

Graham Avenue Business Improvement District: $94,000 to support a farmers market on Cook Street.

Grand Street Campus Arts Department: $100,000 for their program that engage at-risk students in the world of art, both as participants and audience members.

Highland Park Community Development Corporation: $200,000 for the Values Education Through Cooperative Activities (VETCA) Program, which fosters real life cooperation and instills positive societal values.

Hudson Raritan Estuary - Gowanus Canal Environmental Restoration Project: $239,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to continue its feasibility study for the environmental restoration of the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn.

Lower East Side Girls Club: $250,000 for the expansion of after-school programs, including leadership development, entrepreneurial training, financial planning, academic support and civic engagement programs.

Lutheran Family Health Center Network: $438,000 to support the Women’s Health Services Initiative providing access to breast cancer screening and prenatal sonograms for medically underserved, low-income communities.

Red Hook Community Justice Center: $350,000 to support the youth crime prevention program, which provides at-risk youth with much-needed social services.

Safe Routes for Seniors and Kids: $712,500 for New York City to build upon its existing Safe Routes to School program and reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians.