Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) secured a preliminary $200,000 in funding for Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers as part of the FY 2011 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.

The funding is for Nepperhan to renovate the main level of the agency.  Nepperhan is utilized by much of the Yonkers community, and serves approximately 400-500 youths and adults daily throughout the year.

Rep. Engel said, “Nepperhan Community Center, along with the Director Jim Bostic and his staff, does outstanding work for the people of Yonkers and helps children from all walks of life, especially those in the greatest need.  In addition to Yonkers’ youth, it also helps the needy, veterans, substance abusers and many other people in the city.  I look forward to continuing to work in Congress to move these projects along.”

Dr. Jim Bostic, Executive Director of Nepperhan Community Center said, “The efforts that our Congressman, Eliot Engel, put forth to secure money for our agency will go a long way to revitalize the life of the facility, which is used by thousands and thousands of residents each year.  We are eternally grateful as this will help serve families who depend on our service each year.  On behalf of the Board of Directors and our staff, and all of our residents, we thank Congressman Engel for securing these funds.”

This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important program was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

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