SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE OVER $2 MILLION FOR BUFFALO & WESTERN NEW YORK HIGHER EDUCATION AND YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN THE FY24 FUNDING PACKAGE

Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that they have secured $2,118,000 for critical local projects across Western New York in the just-passed bipartisan funding package for Fiscal Year 2024. The funding will support local projects that will address youth violence prevention, provide resources to first responders and bolster academic programs at Niagara University and St. Bonaventure University.

"This $2+ million is a major boost for our top-notch educational institutions and community services in Western NY. From technology upgrades at St. Bonaventure University to investments in STEM education at Niagara University to initiatives to prevent youth violence in underserved communities, we are increasing access to educational opportunities and community resources so future generations have the tools needed to thrive," said Senator Schumer. "I'm proud to deliver this funding for a better future for all Western New Yorkers."

"This $2+ million in federal funding will support projects to help reduce and prevent youth violence in Western New York, equip students with the resources they need to excel academically and ensure first responders have the necessary equipment to respond to emergencies," said Senator Gillibrand. "I'm proud to have fought to secure this funding, and I'll continue to work tirelessly to deliver resources for Western New York."

The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests, including:

$1,000,000 for an Integrated STEM Center at Niagara University:

The funding will support the construction of a 20,000-square foot academic building, which will house integrated STEM academic programs on Niagara University's Lewiston campus. This investment builds on the $1.4 million that Schumer and Gillibrand helped secure for Niagara University in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus end-of-year spending package to jumpstart the Academic Innovation Hub in downtown Niagara Falls, and $1.3 million federal EDA grant the senators delivered last year for the project.

$750,000 for the School of Communications at St. Bonaventure University:

The funding will support upgrades to the media capabilities at St. Bonaventure University's renowned Jandoli School of Communications, including TV and radio station equipment, podcast studios, and associated technology.

$310,000 for the Community Action Organization of Western New York's Buffalo Youth Violence Prevention Demonstration Project:

The funding will be used to support the Buffalo Youth Violence Prevention Demonstration Project (BYVPD), which aims to employ wraparound services, in collaboration with community partner organizations, that provide an alternative to the traditional youth criminal justice path. The project seeks to reduce and prevent youth-related community violence, improve community safety, and find alternative paths for youth that lead to a meaningful role for them in the community.

$58,000 for the Wyoming County Emergency Operations Center:

The funding will be used to support the equipment needs of the Wyoming County Office of Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center.

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