SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MORELLE ANNOUNCE NEARLY $7 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LOCAL ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES PROJECTS

Lawmakers Say Pending Legislation Includes Critical Fed Funding For University of Rochester's Cutting-Edge Quantum Research & Water Infrastructure Improvements Throughout Rochester-Finger Lakes Region

Schumer, Gillibrand, Morelle: Fed $$ Is Secured For Rochester-Finger Lakes Communities!

Today, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Joe Morelle announced that they secured $6,934,000 in federal funding for critical local projects across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region in the pending fiscal year (FY) 2026 spending bill currently being voted on in the House of Representatives and expected to come to a vote in the Senate later this month. The lawmakers personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending.

"These projects stretch to every corner of the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, from boosting the University of Rochester's cutting-edge quantum research to ensuring Rochester-Finger Lakes residents have access to clean drinking water and new and improved sewer infrastructure. With this funding, we're breathing new life into the region, all while creating good-paying jobs," said Senator Schumer. "This major federal investment will provide families and businesses they need with the upgraded infrastructure they need to help the region thrive. I am proud to have secured nearly $7 million in federal investment that will help lay the foundation for a more resilient future in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region."

"I'm proud to have secured these federal dollars that will drive real growth across the Finger Lakes by creating jobs and delivering the services New Yorkers rely on," said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "From advancing critical research at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester to ensuring communities have access to modern, reliable water systems, this funding will support projects that help communities across the region grow and thrive. I'll keep working to bring home resources that strengthen our communities and make a real difference for working families."

"This is exactly how the federal government is supposed to function, by providing direct support to companies, organizations, and local communities to help create jobs, keep our streets safe, and give every family the opportunity to thrive," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to help secure this critical funding for Rochester. I'm grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their continued support of our region, and I look forward to our continued work together to help uplift families in our community."

The federal funding comes from the FY 2026 spending bill that is expected to pass in the House of Representatives later today and sent over to the Senate and includes the Commerce, Justice, and Science spending bill, the Energy and Water Development spending bill, and the Interior spending bill.

A full list of funded projects is below:

$2,000,000 for Rochester Institute of Technology & University of Rochester for Rochester Quantum Network (RoQNET)

The project will enable the purchase and installation of equipment to help develop an Upstate quantum network that benefits national security, economic development and technological innovation by enabling the Rochester region to connect into similar quantum communications networks now under development across New York. This will position NYS to be a domestic and international leader in quantum communication and networking. RoQNET will stimulate quantum workforce development for K-12 and college-age students and offer learning opportunities for students enrolled in the Monroe Community College Optical Technology program.

$1,092,000 for Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) for Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) Cybersecurity improvements

The project will support a system-wide upgrade of cybersecurity equipment (hardware) and software for Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA). This system-wide approach will benefit all the MCWA rate payers by preventing a 'worst case scenario' and the economic after-effects of a disruption in service.

$1,092,000 for Monroe County, NY for Northwest Quadrant Water Resource Recovery Facility Upgrades

The project will allow for more efficient removal of larger objects including foreign objects, branches, and other large obstructions at the beginning of the wastewater treatment process. This project will be a key part of the County's focus to improve its wastewater treatment plants' efficiency by reducing energy usages and lowering their impact on the power grid. Improvement to preliminary treatment methods is needed to more efficiently remove larger objects from the waste water collection.

$1,000,000 for Town of Phelps for Town of Phelps Joint Sanitary Sewer Distribution System Project with the Town of Geneva along NYS Route 14

The project will construct a low-pressure sanitary sewer distribution system along the 4.3-mile stretch of NYS Route 14 in the Towns of Geneva and Phelps. Currently, all residences and businesses in the project area are served by individual septic systems, many of which are aged and in disrepair and are likely leaching dangerous bacterial contaminants like coliform and E. coli into residents drinking water, as revealed by recent testing. This project will help protect public health and the environment by eliminating septic systems and reduce costs to taxpayers in the long run. The project will also reduce the amount of contaminants being leaked into shared local waterbodies including Seneca Lake and its tributaries that can contribute to toxic algae growth. Additionally, the development of this sewer infrastructure will help attract new economic development and commercial activity along the Rt 14 corridor which has been limited by this lack of sewer infrastructure.

$1,000,000 for the Village of Geneseo to Upgrade Water Infrastructure

The project will reconstruct Second Street and Oak Street to replace 1,850 linear feet of undersized, deteriorated water lines and 5,640 linear feet of aging sanitary and storm sewer lines in a residential downtown neighborhood.

$750,000 for Village of Waterloo for Village & Town of Waterloo WWTP & Collection System Improvements Joint Project

This is a joint project between the Village and Town of Waterloo which proposes making improvements to the sewage collection system in the Village and Town and to make improvements to the Village's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This will benefit residents of the Village and the Town by improving its ability to treat water, increasing water quality in the entire area, which is especially vital as the region's canal is a center of business, recreation, and tourism. Improvements will also increase the WWTP's treatment capacity, ensuring it can support future development and increased population.

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet