Mayor Walsh Commends Federal Delegation for Delivering on Projects

Published on December 30, 2022

Led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Syracuse federal delegation directs $6 million in aid to drinking water, housing, public safety, and bus rapid transit

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh says City of Syracuse residents will benefit from federal funding for clean water, public safety, housing and bus rapid transit (BRT).  Mayor Walsh credited U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman John Katko for delivering $6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for projects and programs in the city. 

The federal spending bill, approved by the United State Senates and House of Representatives and signed by President Biden on Dec. 23, included funding for four critical priorities in the City of Syracuse: 

• Clean Drinking Water - $1.5 million for planning and design of drinking water intake pipe extension in Skaneateles Lake 
• Blight Remediation and Emergency Repair - $1 million for property improvement in city neighborhoods, including demolition of dilapidated structures and emergency interior repairs to correct unsafe rental housing conditions 
• Public Safety - $500,000 for Syracuse Police Department Cadet program to support transition of city high school students to careers as Syracuse police officers 
• Public Transportation - $3 million to Central New York Regional Transportation Authority for purchase of buses and BRT stations for implementation of enhanced public transportation system in Syracuse 

Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Katko considered input on projects from local governments including the City of Syracuse, as well as community organizations and non-profit institutions. 

“This federal aid will help us address priorities that impact residents every day in the City of Syracuse. It will help ensure clean drinking water; address blight and unsafe housing; create careers in policing for city youth; and bring bus rapid transit to Syracuse,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m grateful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Katko for listening to and acting on the needs of city residents.”