Sen Schumer Visits Schoharie, Announces Aid, Tours Bridge, FD

SCHOHARIE - Surrounded by Schoharie County leaders and under the shadow of the Bridge Street bridge in Schoharie, Friday morning, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced a series of aid packages that should benefit the county in the future.

Senator Schumer said he is pushing that the county be included in an important federal commission that could fund numerous local needs. In addition, he spoke about funding to fire departments, broadband, and replacing the Bridge Street span.

On a bitterly cold morning, Senator Schumer said that after months of advocacy, he has successfully gotten Schoharie County added to the Senate legislation, reauthorizing the Northern Border Regional Commission. The NBRC delivers millions of dollars to eligible New York counties every year. Senator Schumer said that he is now launching his push to pass the bill, which would unlock federal funding for Schoharie County to address critical needs across the region, including building infrastructure, investing in workforce training, childcare and healthcare, supporting new and existing businesses, and more. 

"I'm fighting tooth and nail to reauthorize the program and open up millions in federal funding to grow the regional economy in Schoharie County," he added.

The Northern Border Regional Commission has provided millions for economic opportunities for rural communities in upstate New York for years and after months of work "I’m excited to share Schoharie County is poised to be added thanks to the authorization I’m heading. This would be a huge shot in the arm for Schoharie and unlock millions in federal funding opportunities for addressing childcare and healthcare needs boosting infrastructure projects, supporting workforce learning, helping to launch and retain businesses, and more. The NBRC has been wildly successful for expanding investment in communities across New York State." From 2010 to 2020 for the NBRC has invested over 79 projects totaling more than $48 million in federal funding for upstate New York. 

Senator Schumer also highlighted other massive federal investments in Schoharie County including nearly $12 million to replace the Bridge Street bridge over the Schoharie Creek in Schoharie from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

"The Bridge Street bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County but after 100 years of use, it’s nearing the end of its useful life," he said The federal funding secured by the Senate will help the county build a new bridge increasing safety and creating jobs. New York State has put a weight restriction on the span due to its condition and the county is concerned that further disrepair would eventually limited to use by emergency vehicles, the Senator added. 

"The nearest bridge is approximately 10 miles away adding 20 minutes in commute time," if there were a closure, he noted, The Senator also said that farm vehicles use the bridge regularly and the bridge is vital to the counties thriving role agricultural community and economy. 

He also highlighted $30 million for high-speed Internet improvements from the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The broadband for Schoharie County project will construct 298 miles of fiber to connect more than 4,000 locations including substantially unserved locations in the county. The new infrastructure will bring high-speed Internet to most rural and hard to reach areas of the county.

Senator Schumer also highlighted the more than $180,000 for firefighters in Schoharie and Richmondville through the Assistance for Firefighters grant program. 

This grant includes critical grant funding that will allow firefighters in Schoharie County federal support to purchase modern equipment and combat emergencies. Senator Schumer said he stood with firefighters across the state to fight to successfully preserve and fund this program earlier this year. 

"As Majority Leader, in the Senate, I have always made sure New York is in the forefront of my mind," he said. "Earlier this fall I was proud to announce a major $11.6 million in federal funding to boost efforts to replace the Bridge Street bridge, a vital connector in Schoharie County. I am also excited to have delivered a whopping $30 million to help Schoharie County improve high-speed Internet service connecting more than 4,000 locations. Lastly, I am glad that over $180,000 is going to help firefighters in Schoharie and Richmondville.

"I believe the best is yet to come to for Schoharie County," Senator Schumer added.