WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) successfully delivered $17,078,064 million in funding for projects across Upstate New York and the North Country.
“I’m proud to have secured more than $17 million in federal funding for critical projects that will strengthen North Country innovation, protect public health, and keep our communities safe. From supporting cutting-edge biotechnology research at the Trudeau Institute, to upgrading aging wastewater systems in Upstate towns that have waited decades for relief, these investments will deliver real results to New York's 21st District. This funding will also improve access to clean, reliable drinking water and enhance Northern Border security and maritime safety on Lake Champlain. Throughout my time in Congress, I have delivered significant results and nearly $1 billion in federal funds, and that work will continue this year," said Stefanik.
Funding recipients include:
Trudeau Institute
- $4,200,000 to enable the biotech research institute to identify, develop, and disseminate best practices for the application of process control, automated data collection, and measurement techniques in the biosciences and biotechnology, as well as advance the mission of the National Institute of Standards and Technology by facilitating more rapid commercialization of biotechnology in both the public and private sectors.
"Trudeau is a uniquely important asset for the North Country and for the nation," said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "Securing fresh federal support for its research endeavors has been one of our priorities in Congress, working actively with Congresswoman Stefanik and with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, including meetings in Washington in the fall. The Congresswoman's appropriation of $4.2 million for bio research together with $2.5 million from the Senators for modernization of specialized equipment will help to sustain and grow Trudeau's vital work for years to come. This is a very welcome advance at the very start of the new year. Onward and upward!"
Village of Evans Mills
- $2,000,000 to replace its deteriorating wastewater treatment facility with a new wastewater treatment and disinfection facility.
"On behalf of the Village of Evans Mills, we extend our sincere gratitude to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for her leadership and support in securing Community Project Funding for our wastewater infrastructure and UV disinfection facility. This vital investment will enable us to modernize our treatment system, enhance water quality, and uphold our commitment to environmental stewardship by protecting local waterways and downstream communities," stated Village of Evans Mills Mayor Robert Boucher. "We also recognize and thank our dedicated Village employees, whose expertise and dedication make projects of this scale possible. For a small municipality, federal support of this nature is critical to advancing major infrastructure improvements while minimizing the impact on local taxpayers. We are pleased to see this project included in the FY26 appropriations bill and look forward to the lasting benefits it will provide for public health and the environment."
Village of Broadalbin
- $2,000,000 to improve drinking water and replace a failing 95-year-old water tank and water lines.
"We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Stefanik for securing $2 million towards the replacement of our aging water tower," said Village of Broadalbin Mayor Steve Murray. "Replacing this critical infrastructure, which has served our community for nearly a century, has faced years of delays due to lack of resources. With this funding, we can finally move forward with a permanent solution, shifting from costly temporary fixes to a reliable, long-term system. This investment will ensure access to safe, dependable water for residents and businesses for generations to come."
Village of Port Leyden
- $2,000,000 to replace severely deteriorated water mains.
"On behalf of the residents of the Village of Port Leyden, I extend sincere appreciation to our partners for this significant $2 million award. The funds allocated will enable the completion of our comprehensive water infrastructure improvement project, a critically important initiative that will enhance the safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the Village’s water system," said Village of Port Leyden Mayor Heather Collins. "We are especially grateful to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Senator Charles Schumer for their sponsorship and steadfast commitment to securing this investment in our community. This award reflects a shared dedication to protecting public health, supporting environmental stewardship, and strengthening the foundation upon which Port Leyden will continue to grow and prosper for generations to come."
Village of Hudson Falls
- $2,000,000 to replace deteriorating water mains.
Town of Lake Luzerne
- $1,784,000 to rehabilitate its existing water storage tank and replace antiquated water mains within the Lake Luzerne Water District.
"It is exciting to hear that Congresswoman Stefanik’s EPA Stag Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant for the Town of Lake Luzerne is still proceeding. This grant of $1,784,000 will allow our small upstate Adirondack tourist town to replace parts of our municipal system that in some cases are over 100 years old," said Town of Lake Luzerne Supervisor Jim Niles. "Last year alone we had to perform emergency repairs on 11 leaks, in a system that serves approximately 1,100 homes. Clean reliable water is a fundamental component to the health and quality of life in our community, and it is essential to our largest industry which is tourism. We are currently working on the engineering phase of our system upgrades, so when we get the grant we can hit the ground running."
Town of Herkimer
- $1,594,064 to replace inadequate and failing septic systems.
"The Town of Herkimer’s East Herkimer Sewer Project is an economic development project based on installing municipal wastewater infrastructure to allow for local businesses to grow and develop," said Town of Herkimer Supervisor Dominic Frank. "As such it is consistent with Congresswoman Stefanik’s steadfast support for economic growth in our area, and the Town of Herkimer cannot thank her enough for seeing the value in this project. This project has a dramatic impact to our area as it will allow for not only existing businesses to grow as 20 to 40 manufacturing and health care jobs will be created, but also allow for new planned development such as a skilled nursing facility and a community center to be constructed in the immediate area. Furthermore, the municipal wastewater infrastructure will serve the section of the Town already served by municipal water creating an area ready for further development. Many thanks to Congresswoman Stefanik and Congress for these vital funds that will impact the Town of Herkimer and our County for years to come."
Town of Richmondville
- $1,000,000 to improve the current aging and failing wastewater treatment system and provide for the safe disposal of wastewater.
"Our sewer project planning started four years ago," said Town of Richmondville Supervisor Jeff Haslun. "The Town of Richmondville previously has been awarded three grants, an Enhanced WIIA grant through Environmental Facilities Corporation, an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Environmental Facilities Corporation, and a Schoharie County ARPA award. Our project is expected to start construction this spring and with this additional funding support it will help minimize any debt service that those citizens will have to pay, which when the Town of Richmondville did an income survey, it revealed that 76% of the residents were of low to moderate income with a median household income of $40,601. The Town of Richmondville thanks the efforts of our sponsors, Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Charles Schumer."
Clinton County
- $500,000 to enable the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office to obtain a maritime patrol vessel, allowing for safe operations in all weather conditions and enhancing Northern Border Security and interstate maritime safety on Lake Champlain.
"Lake Champlain is a major international body of water shared with Canada," said Clinton County Sheriff David Favro. "With this funding the Clinton County Sheriff’s office will be able to more effectively enforce laws and provide rescue services to the residents and many guests of this beautiful natural resource."