SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $9.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES PROJECTS

Senators Secured Federal $$$ For Affordable Housing, Infrastructure Upgrades, Educational and Apprenticeship Programs, and More

Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that they secured $9,650,000 in federal funding for critical projects in the Finger Lakes region in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding package that was signed into law yesterday. The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending items.

"This nearly $10 million federal investment will support critical community projects in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. From constructing new indoor upgrades to the Rochester Public Market for shoppers and farm-sellers, to driving the tourism economy by transforming the former Auditorium theater into a modern world-class home for Rochester Broadway Theater League productions to boosting our local workforce, we are building a safer and better future for New Yorkers throughout the Rochester-Finger Lakes region," said Senator Schumer. "These projects will help local institutions support economic growth, while keeping our community safe and creating new opportunities. I will always fight to deliver more federal resources for institutions in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region to support the community's needs."

"These federal dollars will drive real growth throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes region," said Senator Gillibrand. "From financing critical infrastructure improvements to bolstering apprenticeship programs, this funding will support projects that help New Yorkers thrive. I'm proud to have helped secure this funding, and I'll keep working to bring home resources that make a real difference in our Upstate communities."

The federal funding comes from the FY2026 funding package that was signed into law yesterday and includes the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill; the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill; and the Financial Services and General Government funding bill, among others.

A full list of funded projects in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region is below:

$2 million for expansion of the Rochester Public Market

This award will fund construction of the Indoor Market Space and Nutrition and Events Center at the Rochester Public Market, which provides a source of affordable, healthy food in an area with limited access to full-service grocery stores. This funding will also support small farms, small businesses, and the agriculture community in the region.

$2 million for the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (MAPP)

MAPP is a state-certified, direct entry apprentice readiness program that equips low-income individuals with skills for careers in the building and construction trades. This funding will support the organization's expansion through the renovation of a newly acquired 54,000-square foot training center for workforce development activities.

$2 million for Canal Street District Rehabilitation in the Town of Lyons

This funding will be used to remove and redevelop at least seven hazardous buildings to create a new 55,000-square foot commercial and residential mixed-use space, including at least 25 affordable housing units for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans.

$1 million for Renovation of Smyth Hall at Nazareth University

This project will address the healthcare workforce shortage, improving access to quality care, and reducing costs through the deployment of cost-effective Physician Assistants (PAs). Nazareth University is playing a key role in training advanced practice providers to help close the healthcare workforce gap.

$1 million for Rochester Broadway Theatre League for Project Restoration 2026

This project will restore the nearly 100-year-old Auditorium Theater West Herr Performing Arts Center, a vital community asset and an historical and architectural significant landmark as well as a major employer in Rochester.

$850,000 for the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)

This award will allow for the purchase and installation of a hydrogen fueler boil-off capture system on RGRTA's existing hydrogen bus fueler, supporting further deployment of clean hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in the near future.

$800,000 for Rochester General Hospital's Regional Health Logistics Hub

These funds will be used for the construction of a Logistics Hub to manage patient transfers and the transportation of critical health care supplies throughout the Finger Lakes and North Country regions.

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