SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $9+ MILLION FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK

Legislation Includes Fed Funding For A New Community Center In The Town Of Newstead And Economic Development Projects Throughout Western New York

Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Is Secured For Critical Community Investments In Western New York

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they have secured $9,275,000 in federal funding for Western New York projects, which thanks to the senators was just signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Consolidated Appropriations bill. The senators personally secured funding for these projects through congressionally directed spending.

"This $9+ million investment will support critical community projects throughout Western New York. From helping build a new community center in the Town of Newstead to boosting economic development opportunities, we are building a better future for Western New Yorkers," said Senator Schumer. "These projects will help institutions enhance workforce development, create new jobs, feed the community, and address rural healthcare shortages. I will always fight to deliver more federal resources for institutions in Western New York to support the community's needs."

"These federal dollars will power real growth across Western New York," said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "From bolstering critical nutrition programs to supporting economic development across the region, this money will make a real difference for New Yorkers. I'm proud to have fought to secure these funds, and I'll keep working to bring more federal dollars home to Western New York."

A full list of funded projects is below:

$500,000 for FeedMore Western New York's New Consolidated Facility

FeedMore Western New York, which serves more than 165,000 individuals through home-delivered meals, community dining, food bank distribution network, workforce development, nutrition education, and mobile farm market programs, will construct a new consolidated facility to expand its programs and add new services. This project will strengthen FeedMore's capacity to serve vulnerable populations in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties while addressing rapidly rising food insecurity.

As demand grows, FeedMore continues to operate out of two legacy facilities that are severely overcapacity, have failing infrastructure, and cannot be expanded. The new 197,000 square-foot consolidated facility, located in Hamburg, New York, the geographic center of FeedMore's four-county service area, will dramatically increase operational efficiency and service capacity. The project will double warehouse space, add eight loading docks, expand cold and dry storage, and significantly enlarge the commercial kitchen, allowing FeedMore to more than triple daily meal production.

"FeedMore WNY is incredibly grateful for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's support and leadership in securing an additional $500,000 in federal funding to support the construction of our new, unified facility. This funding is critical to help FeedMore grow vital programs that tackle root causes of food insecurity, increase access to nutritious food, provide nourishment and comfort to vulnerable neighbors, offer free workforce development and community nutrition education, and much more. Senator Schumer is a long-time champion of this work, and we value his continued partnership and commitment to building brighter futures for our Western New York community members," Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said.

$500,000 for Capital Improvements for Jamestown's National Comedy Center

The funding will make capital improvements at the National Comedy Center, including exhibit enhancements and renovations to the Center's entry area, to allow for the retention of local jobs, attract new visitors, and boost economic activity in the region.

The National Comedy Center generates significant tourism-driven economic impact, drawing the vast majority of its visitors from outside the region and outside New York State. This investment will help maximize private and local investments, expand consumer spending, and solidify the National Comedy Center's role as a catalyst for job creation, small business growth, and long-term economic revitalization.

$1,100,000 for St. Bonaventure University for Transforming Rural Healthcare in New York with the Center for Rural Health Innovation and Service

This funding will be used to establish the Center for Rural Health Innovation and Service, a training hub for rural healthcare, and address critical provider shortages in rural Western New York by training a pipeline of healthcare professionals with cutting-edge technology and best practices to serve underserved communities.

Rural communities in Cattaraugus, Allegany, and neighboring counties face severe healthcare disparities, driven by persistent shortages of trained providers and limited access to care. Leveraging the expertise and partnerships of St. Bonaventure University's DePerro School of Health Professions, the Center will deliver cutting-edge training using advanced simulation technology, telehealth education, and community-based initiatives to improve access and outcomes.

The Center will focus on recruiting, training, and retaining healthcare professionals, while also continuing education for existing providers and partner with local organizations to implement sustainable, community-driven healthcare solutions. This investment will reduce healthcare access gaps, lower preventable healthcare costs, and strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to high-quality care for underserved populations across Western New York.

$5,000,000 for Town of Newstead Community Center

The new 32,000 square-foot Community Center will expand community services and promote healthy lifestyles to address the Town's rapid growth of both senior membership and youth recreation programs. The facility will include a dedicated Senior Center serving more than 880 members, along with recreation and wellness spaces supporting over 350 youth, offering cultural, social, educational, and fitness programming for all ages. The Community Center will also serve as an emergency warming shelter during severe weather events, equipped with backup power to protect vulnerable residents.

This project reflects extensive public input and exemplifies sustainable, inclusive community development. Without external funding, the full project cost would impose a significant burden on local taxpayers. Federal investment is critical to ensuring this essential community resource becomes a reality for the Town of Newstead and the Village of Akron.

Dawn D. Izydorczak, Town Supervisor for Town of Newstead said, "The Town of Newstead is honored to have our Community Center project selected for $5,000,000.00 in Congressional funding. With the help of Congressman Langworthy, working in a bi-partisan effort with Senator Schumer, the Town will now be able to begin work on a very important project for our community. This Community Center will provide a much-needed new home for our Senior Citizens as well as serving the recreational needs of every age group in our community. The Center will offer Senior programs, sporting programs, art classes, educational classes, and more. It will be a place for our residents to socialize and exercise. I thank the members of Congress and the Senate for their support of our project."

$1,000,000 for Canisius University for Innovative Classroom Technology Equipment for Transformative Learning

Canisius will use this funding to develop flexible learning options including evening, weekend, and online courses to accommodate working adults' schedules?and update credit evaluation processes to recognize lived experiences, and the valuable knowledge adult learners bring to their education. This funding will outfit classrooms in the University's Old Main Academic Center with updated technology, promoting flexible and high-tech learning to benefit both students and professors. These enhancements will support degree completion programs, micro-credentials, certificates, and stackable credentials that create clear pathways to well-paying jobs in fields such as information technology, education, business, and healthcare.

By investing in modern classroom technology and flexible learning environments, Canisius University will broaden its reach beyond campus, expand access to education throughout Western New York, reduce unemployment, and strengthen the regional workforce, creating a more inclusive, adaptable, and competitive economy.

$650,000 for Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency for Ripley Interstate Industrial Park

Funding will construct a left-hand turn lane on Shortman Road for traffic to access the Ripley site, which is located near Interstate 90, and will position Chautauqua County to attract new companies and jobs and increase its tax base.

This project removes a critical infrastructure barrier to development at a site identified as a prime location for industrial, warehousing, distribution, and light-manufacturing uses. The State of New York has already demonstrated its commitment through a $5.25 FAST NY investment, underscoring the project's regional and statewide importance.

By funding this essential roadway improvement, Chautauqua County will unlock development at one of the region's most competitive industrial sites, strengthen Western New York's economic competitiveness, and help reverse long-standing job losses, delivering lasting economic benefits to the region and the State.

$525,000 for Niagara University: Elevating Education for Tomorrow

This funding will enhance workforce development, student educational experiences, and community engagement through Niagara University's Theatres and Castellani Art Museum by upgrading equipment and technology and including lighting and audio to provide high-quality productions and exhibitions that attract over 20,000 visitors annually. These upgrades will enhance lighting and audio technology, support the installation of a new rigging system, and improve safety measures and infrastructure.

This investment in modernized equipment provides students hands-on experience with professional production technologies, strengthen the regional creative workforce, and support New York's growing film and television industry, while reinforcing Niagara University's role as a leading educational and cultural anchor for Western New York.

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