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Lowey Applauds Funding Priorities For Hudson Valley

CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. -- A $1.1 trillion year-end measure passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes money that will benefit Westchester and Rockland counties, in addition to the entire state, according to Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

Nita Lowey

Nita Lowey

 Photo Credit: Contributed
K Reakes
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“New Yorkers send more than our fair share of tax dollars to Washington,” Lowey said. “As ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee with responsibility for negotiating this year-end government spending package, I fought hard to ensure Lower Hudson Valley priorities were included. Increased federal investments in rail and public safety, early- and higher education, and medical research will strengthen our region. I will continue fighting each and every day to keep our economy strong, create local jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents in Westchester and Rockland.” 

Some of the measure funded under the new measure include:

  • New railroad safety grants at $50 million; $25 million of which is available for Positive Train Control and $25 million for rail infrastructure. 
  • Northeast Corridor Capital Grants are funded at $19.2 million in addition to $1.39 billion for Amtrak. 
  • Rail Grade Crossing Safety includes Lowey’s amendment to increase to $350 million the set-aside for grade crossing improvements in the Highway Safety Improvement Program.
  • Crude by Rail Oil Safety directs the Department of Energy to examine methods to reduce the volatility of crude oil prior to shipment.
  • James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act There are more than 30,000 responders and survivors who have an illness or injury caused by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 
  • Child Care and Early Education The omnibus provides more working families with access to child care services by increasing child care funding by $326 million and $570 million in Head Start.
  • National Institutes of Health The omnibus funds $32 billion and includes specific research increases for a host of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. 
  • Countering Violent Extremism/Terrorist Attacks The omnibus includes a general provision for Federal Emergency Management Agency to make available $50 million in new grants to state and local governments to combat terrorist activity. 

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