Washington, DC – Continuing his efforts to "green" Westchester County, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY19) has secured the inclusion of federal funding for two Westchester innovative building projects in the final spending bill that Congress sent to the President this week to become law.  Congressman Hall obtained final congressional approval of $98,400 for A-HOME to construct a First Responder "Green" House in the Town of Lewisboro, as well as $196,000 to help the South Salem Library Association build a larger library using energy-efficient building construction.

 

The funding secured by Congressman Hall has survived all rounds of House-Senate appropriations negotiations and was included in the final version of the funding bill passed by both the House and the Senate this week.  The White House has announced that the President is expected to sign the legislation in the coming days.

 

"It's important that those of us in the federal government put our money where our mouths are and do more than just talk about ending global warming," said Hall.  "If we want to achieve energy independence and stop global warming, we need to use federal dollars to prioritize energy-efficient practices."

 

South Salem Library
Since the current library was built in 1963, there has been growing demand for a larger building with new types of space.  The proposed South Salem Library will not only include an expanded collection, but a larger children’s library, new technology and public meeting space.  The library will serve as a cultural center.

"The money for the South Salem library will help bring a larger library to better serve the community and it will also provide an excellent example of the Hudson Valley’s commitment to energy efficiency, with the incorporation of sustainable building practices, the use of LEED-certified building materials, and the possible inclusion of geo-thermal wells and solar energy options," said Hall.

 

LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, is a national benchmark that provides standards for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.  The LEED Rating System examines the sustainability performance in key areas and has helped reduced operating costs, increased occupant health, and promoted environmental conservation.

 

First Responder "Green House"
A-HOME, a Mount Kisco-based organization, plans to construct a three-to-four bedroom, affordable single family home in the Town of Lewisboro.  This "green" house will serve as an example of environmentally friendly building techniques, including solar orientations and geothermal pumps.  Housing would be made available for local first responders who make no more than 80% of median income.

 

"A-HOME should be commended for trying to create affordable housing for first responders and using environmentally friendly building techniques," said Hall.  "I am happy to help secure federal funding for this important project that will help provide housing to public servants who are too often priced out of their own communities.  By helping first responders find affordable housing and relying on alternative energy sources that can cut down on fossil fuel dependence this project is a win-win proposition."

 

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