Morris Musings March 18, 2024 Where's Our Money?

On March 6, 2024 there was a Press Release from Washington D.C. titled " Rep. Williams Announces Over $20 Million in Funds for Local Projects". The Brandon Williams release stated that “We are delivering results for the families, businesses, and communities of Central New York.” Furthermore, "My office will keep putting Central New York first, every single day.” Rep. Brandon Williams confirmed today that the House of Representatives has voted to pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which appropriates funds to numerous local initiatives through previously-submitted Community Project Funding requests. Representative Williams proudly confirmed that with the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, $20,569,857 was secured for projects, agencies, and initiatives in the 22nd Congressional District of New York. Rep. Williams requested these funds from the House Appropriations Committee, working with local stakeholders to determine what needs throughout the district could be met with congressional funding, across areas of transportation, education, commerce, public safety, and more.

With a 16.5 percent tax increase proposed for the budget facing the City of Utica taxpayers, clearly an infusion of monies for local projects would be greatly appreciated. I eagerly scrolled down the list of projects that were awarded funds.....and I kept scrolling and scrolling until all the money was accounted for , all $20 plus million. What I failed to notice was any mention of funds for the Utica area. Not a dollar for this appropriation period! Here is a listing of the projects. Utica area residents why don't you scroll down yourself and see if I missed something.

By The Numbers

$220,000 for a Town of Geddes, New York, Police Department Equipment project.

$1 million for the City of Syracuse, New York, COPS Cameras project.

$423,000 for an Onondaga County, New York, Department of Emergency

Management Mobile Command Vehicle Replacement project.

$1 million for Chittenango, New York for the Drinking Water System Connection Project.

$1.86 million for Skaneateles, New York for the Elevated Water Storage Tank and Pump Station Project.

$1 million for Oneida, New York for the Lake Street Pump Station Improvements project.

$260,000 for Canastota, New York for the Robert Street Sanitary Sewer Project.

$1 million for Hamilton, New York for the NYS Route 12B Water Main Replacement

Project.

$3 million to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) for the comprehensive deicing rehabilitation.

$3 million to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) for the security checkpoint expansion.

$5 million to the State of New York for the Solvay-Geddes Connective Corridor.

$2.8 million to the Discovery Center of Science and Technology (dba MOST) for Discovery Center of Science and Technology classroom development.

Funding secured for NY-22 via Community Project Funding: $20,569,857

Bet you didn't see an infusion of cash for those in Utica or its environs. I noticed a boat load of funds however, for the Syracuse area. So just to make sure I was reading this correctly that Utica got stiffed, I sent an email inquiry to the Congressman. NO I did not ask if the Congressman knew that Utica was in his district! I have not received a reply yet to my inquiry. It would surprise me if I do not , based on a previous email I sent to his office.

{ Awhile ago, Williams had a Town Hall in New Hartford during which, he incorrectly stated greenhouse gas figures. I sent an email correcting the error and pointed out where he may have got confused regarding the numbers. Shortly afterward I got an email from one of his staffers thanking me for the information and said that the Congressman would correct the error. True to his word his staff inserted the correct information into a video recording he made of the Town Hall event. }

While waiting for a reply , this got me thinking about redistricting and how it will affect the Utica area. Is this lack of funding indicative of our place on the totem pole of the 22nd. Congressional district? Seems like the Syracuse area is definitely on top The way the district is currently drawn it appears that the days of having a local person representing the district are long gone. Furthermore, I am disappointed that the cities of Utica and Rome are in separate districts. These historical sister cities have a longstanding connection and mutual interests. I'd like to see us in the same boat all rowing together for the good of our entire area.

So the question remains: Why didn't the Utica area receive any funding for projects from this year's Consolidated Appropriations Act?

The press release states that this Act appropriates funds to numerous local initiatives through previously-submitted Community Project Funding requests. Furthermore the press release also states that Rep. Williams requested these funds from the House Appropriations Committee, working with local stakeholders to determine what needs throughout the district could be met with congressional funding, across areas of transportation, education, commerce, public safety, and more.

Was the reason for our omission because the Congressman could not identify any funding needs for the Utica area or that our public servants did not identify and request any funding for area projects? Another possibility is that our area politicians did indeed put in requests for FY 24 to the Congressman but that they were denied funding. You can be sure that I will be following up on these questions and pressing for answers. Lastly, the Congressman's press release says that to request funding from the FY2025 appropriations process, constituents are encouraged to visit https://brandonwilliams.house.gov/fy25-appropriations-requests/. Clicking on the link I found that the deadline for submissions was Friday, March 15, 2024. What have all of our representatives done and are doing to make sure that Utica does not got stiffed again for FY25?

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