Localities receive $1.8M in grants
By KAYLEIGH KARUTIS, The Leader-Herald
Four local communities have received $1.8 million in Community Development Block Grants, which are intended to help them make infrastructure improvements.
Gov. David Paterson's office announced the grants Friday. The largest went to Fultonville, which received $600,000 for its public sewer system.
Fultonville Mayor Robert Headwell said the village's sewer sustained $1.3 million in damage during floods in 2006, and village officials had been fighting to receive some money to help with repair efforts.
The village tried to obtain a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but the village's efforts had proven unsuccessful. Village officials then decided to apply for the state grant.
"It's reassuring that this organization agrees that we have damage to our sewer system," Headwell said.
Headwell said the village is hopeful it will receive additional money through the Community Development program that would help pay for the remainder of the sewer damage.
In Johnstown, city officials are celebrating the announcement of a $400,000 housing rehabilitation grant that is on its way from the state. The city applied for the grant four months ago through the Fulton County Community Heritage Corp. after the city's initial bid for the funding was rejected last year.
The grant will provide funding to city residents who are income-qualified and demonstrate a need for housing rehabilitation. Approximately 13 to 15 single-family homes are expected to be repaired.
Johnstown Mayor Sarah Slingerland said the work done will be significant and not cosmetic. She said an example of a person who might qualify is a senior citizen on a fixed income who is able to stay in his or her home but does not have the money to fix a structural, electrical or other serious problem.
"This money will help a lot in upgrading homes in the city," Slingerland said.
She said there are a lot of older homes in the city that are in need of repairs. She said the grant will help the city combat blight. "We're thrilled we secured it. It's much needed," she said.
Treasurer Michael Gifford said the CHC will examine applicants and choose residents who will receive the funding after the city receives a formal award letter from the state.
Two other municipalities won grants through the program. The village of Fort Plain will receive $400,000 for housing rehabilitation, while the city of Amsterdam will receive $400,000 for public facilities.
Leader-Herald reporter Zach Subar contributed to this report.
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tommylarry
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08-31-09 7:41 AM
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I don't want the $$$ spent at all!! especially the unnecassary and harmful welfare state!!! take care of yourself and stop looking for a handout!!! everyone!!!
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Jr88fanNY
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08-30-09 10:35 PM
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tommylarry your ignorance is showing again. NOT everyone can get flood insurance. Also insurance companies do not sell it you have to get it through the government. Then only if they have decided that you live in a flood plain. Getting homeowners damage insurance is a whole different story than getting flood insurance. I guess you would rather see the money spent on welfare and the rehab of the druggie and drunks that NEVER work.
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Scarecrow57
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08-30-09 7:41 AM
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These are State tax dollars. These grants at both the federal and state level are insane. i would much prefer they both stop the process, cut taxes, and let the localities determine what they need.
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tommylarry
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08-30-09 7:33 AM
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You want Federal $$ to go to you (village residents)for making a poor choice. That's my point. More and more people in this country want someone else to bail them out instead of taking care of yourself. P.S. If it hasn't flooded like that in 50 years wouldn't that make it an isolated incident? If my house gets struck by lightning, destroyed by fire etc... it will be covered by my homeowners which I paid for myself not the american taxpayer
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Jr88fanNY
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08-30-09 4:08 AM
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tommylarry I have lived in Fultonville most of my life over the past 50 years and have never seen the flooding that happened like it did that year. It was not only Fultonville but many other communities all over the state that suffer massive flooding. Yippee Skippy for you living on a hill not everyone is as lucky as you. Getting struck by lighting is an isolated event unlike flood so I highly doubt that you will ever have to worry about filing for disaster relief because of it. Word of caution beware of what you say it can sneak up and get you. I would rather see the village as a whole get some of the government $$ than have it go to lazy bums who do NOT want to work = Welfare!
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stratford
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08-29-09 8:11 PM
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The gop is always trying to start an "upstate down state war" looks like tax dollars flowing to where they are needed. Good Job Paterson!!
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tommylarry
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08-29-09 7:49 PM
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The village should have flood insurance that is paid for by the taxpayers of the village for the next big flood event.
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tommylarry
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08-29-09 7:47 PM
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Good for Fultonville. Are our taxpayers dollars going to pay for the next time the village is flooded too. The question is not if but when. Developing in a flood plain means eventually you are going to get serious flooding therefore damage. Buyers should beware and not receive Fed. $$$ when the obvious and inevitable happen. That's why I purchased a house on a hill. If I get struck by lightning I will not be seeking a Fed. bailout. That's what insurance you pay for yourself is for. Everyone these day's wants a bailout. Whatever happened to personal responsibility?
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