Nozzolio Delivers $220,000 For Projects In Cayuga County

Cayuga County—State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio announced that he has secured $220,000 in state funding for projects in Cayuga County, including $150,000 for an extensive rehabilitation of the sewer system in the Village of Union Springs. Senator Nozzolio made the announcement at the Village Hall on Chapel Street in Union Springs.

“It is critical that New York State continues to invest in the infrastructure needs of our local municipalities,” said Senator Nozzolio. “It was a pleasure to work to secure funding for this important project to improve Union Spring’s sewer system.”

Over the last several years, the Village’s Department of Public Works has noticed a considerable increase in the deterioration of their sewer system. The rehabilitation project will clean the entire sewer line on State Route 90 and on Old State Route 326. The project will include cleaning of the project line, spot repairs of extremely deteriorated areas, replacement of entire sections which are beyond rehabilitation, and relining all other sections with a cured-in-place type liner.

Mayor Edward Trufant of Union Springs said, “On behalf of all of the residents of Union Springs, I would like to thank Senator Nozzolio for working to secure this funding. This aid will allow us to proceed with this project and the Senator’s assistance will save money for our local taxpayers.”

Senator Nozzolio also secured $25,000 for the restoration of the Willard Memorial Chapel on Nelson Street in Auburn. The restoration project is being conducted by the Community Preservation Committee, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and historical elements of Auburn, Cayuga County and the surrounding areas.

Willard Memorial Chapel, completed in 1894, is a unique masterpiece of Tiffany design and remains the only complete and unaltered Tiffany religious interior in the world. The Chapel has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
“Willard Chapel is a major tourism draw for Auburn and this preservation project will allow local residents and visitors from all over to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Chapel,” continued Nozzolio.

Senator Nozzolio secured $25,000 for the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center to expand their marketing outreach to increase visitors. Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center is a multi-use facility, located on Genessee Street in Auburn, which offers exhibitions, art classes, and multi-arts programs including music, film, folk arts, poetry, and storytelling.

Donna Lamb, Executive Director of the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, said, “We are very excited about this tremendous help from Senator Nozzolio in achieving our goals. This funding will allow the Art Center to make improvements to the facility and become more accessible to a wider audience.”

In addition, Senator Nozzolio visited the Conquest Fire Department on Slayton Road in Port Byron to announce that he successfully secured $20,000 for the fire company to purchase new equipment.

Conquest Fire Chief Jim Burke said, “We greatly appreciate this funding that Senator Nozzolio was able to deliver. The whole community will benefit from the purchase of a new power generator for the fire house, especially in the face of ice storms and power outages. During any power outage, the generator will allow us to stay in radio contact with 911 emergency services and let us supply warm meals for residents.”

Senator Nozzolioalso hosted a community meeting in Auburnfor constituents to discuss the recent economic development report for Cayuga County, A Call to Action: A Blueprint for Our Region’s Future. Members of the Focus Group that created A Call to Action presented the report andansweredthe public’s questions.

“Community meetings are an excellent opportunity for me to meet with my constituents and learn first-hand of their interests, concerns and ideas,” said Senator Nozzolio. “The meeting allowed residents of Cayuga County to learn more about the initiatives contained in A Call to Action and to voice their views regarding the proposals contained in the report.”

A Call to Action: A Blueprint for our Region’s Future was developed by local residents and community leaders to help solve issues facing Cayuga County in the near and long-term.

The report has been endorsed by the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce and includes a number of new initiatives to expand economic growth in Cayuga County and make the entire region a more attractive and viable place.

The Focus Group assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the local community and region and focused their report on seven key areas to help the regional economy, including: job development, expanding and modernizing infrastructure technology, cultural development, riverfront development, health care, and protecting the watershed.

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