Community Project Funding Requests 2023

Rep. Higgins has submitted funding requests for important community projects that impact NY-26 to the House Appropriations Committee. Projects are listed in alphabetical order by recipient.

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects in their community for fiscal year 2023 – although only a handful may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here.

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Rep. Higgins has certified that he and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Energy & Water, Department of Energy, General
Project Name: Aquarium of Niagara Geothermal Project
Recipient:  Aquarium of Niagara
Address: 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Amount Requested: $694,925
Project Description and Explanation: These funds will be used to purchase and install a geothermal energy system at the Aquarium of Niagara. The current HVAC system in the Aquarium of Niagara was installed in the mid-20th century, and the installation of a new geothermal system will help the Aquarium of Niagara fully transition away from the combustion of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating the viability of the technology in a complex commercial setting.  With buildings and transportation as the two largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, this project sets the foundation for scale and replication across the building sector in Western New York.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, DOT/Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways: Highway Infrastructure Programs
Project Name: Bailey Avenue Complete Streets Signal Synchronization Project
Recipient:  City of Buffalo
Address:  65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: This project will upgrade the traffic signal controllers and cabinets along Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo, as well as add cameras with detection to the corridor. These upgrades will allow the City of Buffalo to optimize and synchronize the traffic signals along the roadway and provide technology capable of Bus Rapid Transit synchronization and other features such as bicycle detection. This project will improve quality of life, transportation efficiency and air quality by optimizing the traffic signals along one of the longest and most highly traveled corridors in Buffalo.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Energy & Water, Army Corps of Engineers (Civil), Operation and Maintenance
Project Name:  Black Rock Harbor and Tonawanda Canal
Recipient: Government/Buffalo District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Address: 1776 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14207
Amount Requested: $10,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: The Bird Island Pier is a 10,700 foot long stone pier in the Niagara River that begins at Broderick Park on Unity Island and extends to the opening of the Black Rock Canal Channel. Originally built in the 1800s, the pier serves as a popular route for walking and bicycling for residents and visitors to WNY. Access to Bird Island Pier provides a pathway to walk along the Niagara River, view the Peace Bridge and Canada. Broderick Park, where the Bird Island Pier begins, is recognized as a crossing point for the Underground Railroad. Bird Island Pier is regularly damaged by storms and ice and requires routine maintenance to ensure it is safe and structurally sound.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, HUD/Community Planning and Development, Economic Development Initiatives
Project Name: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Expansion Project
Recipient:  Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc.
Address:   2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218
Amount Requested:  $1,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: The 121-year old Buffalo Botanical Gardens is planning a 33,000 square foot expansion. The addition will include new education and exhibit spaces, a butterfly conservatory, large meeting, conference and events space and improved amenities so the Botanical Gardens can even better serve the Western New York community.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Financial Services and General Government, Small Business Administration, Small Business Initiatives
Project Name: Expansion of Entrepreneurial Services for High-Growth Potential Startups for Post Pandemic Recovery and Inclusive Economic Prosperity
Recipient:  Launch New York, Inc.
Address: 77 Goodell St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: Launch NY will introduce its expansion program to increase the volume and impact of outreach and delivery of its pro bono mentoring and preparation for seed capital investment to high-impact startups in Erie and Niagara counties. Designed to reach current and potential entrepreneurs and serve startup companies in the project year, the program will include targeted outreach campaigns, partner engagement, and recruitment of diversified mentors, all of which will funnel into delivery of multiple elements: weekly group and individual mentorship in virtual and in person formats, weekly investor education and company referrals for investment via virtual and in person formats, and technical assistance for company financing.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, HUD/Community Planning and Development, Economic Development Initiatives
Project Name: Grand Island Senior Center Improvement Project
Recipient:  Town of Grand Island
Address:  2255 Baseline Rd. Grand Island, NY 14072
Amount Requested:  $850,000
Project Description and Explanation: The town of Grand Island has a population of 21,287. 25% of Grand Island’s residents are over the age of 60, a number that continues to increase. The Senior Center serves this growing population, providing many services, including a homemade lunch, transportation, consistent programming, presentations, special events and social time to residents. Recently, problems with its ventilation and HVAC systems were discovered. An upgrade of these systems will improve the health and safety of the hundreds of senior members who use the center as well as the staff who work there on a daily basis.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, HUD/Community Planning and Development, Economic Development Initiatives
Project Name: Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute
Recipient:  Hispanic Heritage Institute of WNY, Inc.
Address:  Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, New York 14203
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Description and Explanation:  The Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc. is planning to build a cultural center dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Hispanic arts and culture in the heart of the Hispanic Heritage District on Buffalo’s West Side. The plan is to construct a 32,000 square foot building on the corner of Niagara and Hudson Streets, featuring a theatre, event space, cafe, media center, learning labs, and much more. The Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute will serve as a central hub for the community.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Department of Education, Higher Education

Project Name: Niagara University: Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Site Establishment
Recipient: Niagara University
Address: 5795 Lewiston Road, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY, 14109
Amount Requested: $750,000
Project Description and Explanation: This project will support the establishment of science labs and classrooms to enhance the undergraduate science programs for undergraduates at Niagara University at a satellite location within the the City of Buffalo within the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus at 73 High Street. Each year, Niagara University generates an estimated fiscal impact of $240 million stemming from direct spending, including construction projects, labor compensation and the spillover impact from student and visitor spending. This proposed academic project will enable Niagara University to continue attracting students from throughout the United States and internationally and maintain its position as a primary economic contributor to the region.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Commerce Justice Science, Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
Project Name: North Amherst Police Communications Tower
Recipient: Town of Amherst
Address: 5583 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221
Amount Requested: $900,000
Project Description and Explanation:  This project will strengthen emergency communications facilities in the northern section of the Town of Amherst, improving communications times as well as the health and safety of responding officers and the public. This communications tower will help police and emergency responders respond to emergencies quicker to prevent and solve crime, increase response time, and ultimately save lives.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Interior and Environment, Dept. of Interior/National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund, Save America's Treasures Grants
Project Name: Preservation of the First Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, NY’s Allentown District
Recipient:  One Symphony Circle, Inc.
Address: 1 Symphony Cir, Buffalo, NY 14201
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project Description and Explanation: Buffalo's historic buildings are not only important to its identity as an authentic American place, steeped in history, but also contribute to its economy. In recent years "architectural tourism" has become a significant source of local income. The First Presbyterian Church is an integral part of the ensemble of historic buildings located at Buffalo's Symphony Circle. The main tower, at almost seventeen stories, is an iconic feature visible from a wide area of Buffalo's West Side. Additionally, the building serves as an important platform for community service in the neighborhood and beyond. The two congregations which meet there, along with the building's public service oriented tenants, do much good work in the area including food distribution, educational services, a thrift shop that donates its proceeds to charity, and a performance venue. The project ensures the continuation of the many public service activities that are dependent on the First Presbyterian Church building.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Commerce Justice Science, USDOC/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Project Name: Shoreline Monitoring and Assessment in the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie
Recipient:  Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper
Address: 721 Main Street Buffalo, New York, 14203
Amount Requested: $480,000
Project Description and Explanation: Harmful algal Blooms are regular occurrences in the western basin of Lake Erie and have been found as far east as Presque Isle, 90 miles from Buffalo, NY. It is essential to monitor the water quality in the eastern basin of Lake Erie to track the possibility of this threat and more. This program seeks to enhance public awareness and understanding of Lake Erie, foster stewardship in Western New York through the expansion of a previously-existing water quality and ecosystem monitoring program, and increase opportunities for underserved students in water education and STEM-based mentorship programs. The gathering of citizen science data will contribute to the understanding of the state of local recreational waters as a means to protect human health, inform pollution prevention, and identify potential priority areas for coastal and climate resiliency investments.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Project Name: Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Center at St. Joseph’s Campus of Sisters of Charity Hospital
Recipient: Catholic Health System
Address: 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, New York 14225
Amount Requested: $2,377,172.00
Project Description and Explanation: Funding will support the conversion of 40 of St. Joseph's medical-surgical beds to inpatient drug and alcohol dependence rehabilitation beds, as part of a total conversion of the hospital's fifth floor into a new substance use disorder unit. In eight-county Western New York there are currently 132 chemical dependence rehabilitation beds, and more are sorely needed.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Health & Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Project Name: Telehealth for Seniors, Deaf and People with Disabilities
Recipient: People, Inc.
Address: 1219 N. Forest Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: The funding would be used to build on People Inc.’s successful telehealth program to expanded vulnerable populations including lower-income seniors, disabled individuals living outside of a congregate care setting, and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in partnership with affiliate Deaf Access Services. Through an effective nurse triage and virtual patient assessment program, the right health care can be accessed visually without added expense and delay, and can be used to better manage acute and chronic conditions and lead to better health outcomes accessed more equitably without barriers and delivered with a more responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The benefits of telehealth in terms of personal wellness and smart public expenditure have been well-documented, but our community’s shared recent experience in the face of the two-year COVID-19 pandemic presents the most vivid and logical case for this model of care.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, DOT/Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways: Highway Infrastructure Programs
Project Name: Twin City Memorial Highway Improvements
Recipient:  City of North Tonawanda
Address:  216 Payne Avenue, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project Description and Explanation: The City of North Tonawanda is seeking funding to re-configure New York State route 425, otherwise known as the “Twin City Memorial Highway (TCMH)”, into a pedestrian friendly boulevard, instituting traffic calming and other improvements to re-connect neighborhoods previously separated when the TCMH was constructed. Benefits include connectivity of the community, pedestrian safety improvements, traffic calming and carbon emissions reductions with roundabouts, reduction of impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff, infrastructure improvements along the corridor, opening up additional greenspace with a linear park and bike path, connectivity of alternative transportation routes with connectivity to a larger regional bike trail system, connection of the community to the City's waterfront and parks, and opening up potential expansion to the commercial district along the Twin City Memorial Highway.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Project Name: University at Buffalo Mobile Health Clinic
Recipient: University at Buffalo
Address:  12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260
Amount Requested: $933,800
Project Description and Explanation: This initiative builds on UB’s effort to bring medical, prevention and navigation services in the Seneca/Babcock neighborhood of the City of Buffalo, as well as other medically underserved neighborhoods in Erie County and Niagara County via an interprofessional mobile medical unit improving health, wellness and quality of life for the region.
Signed Disclosure Letter: HERE