Seward Delivers $150,000 For Town Of Olive Highway Garage, Police Dept.

WEST SHOKAN, 09/08/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced a pair of grants he secured totaling $150,000 to assist with roof repairs at the Town of Olive highway garage and equipment needs for the Town of Olive Police Department. 

“These grants mean property tax relief for the Town of Olive,” said Senator Seward.  “Major expenditures are not always in the budget for local governments and this state funding will help ensure local services are maintained without hitting taxpayers’ wallets.”  

The main share of the award, $140,000 in capital funding, will be used to replace a portion of the roof on the Town of Olive highway garage.  

“The roof replacement will ensure expensive highway equipment is safe and secure, and also protects the Olive First Aid Unit housed on site.  These are critical public safety components that must be ready at a moment’s notice and should be stored under the proper conditions,” said Senator Seward. 

Additionally, a $10,000 grant funded through the senate Law Enforcement, Anti-Drug, Anti-Violence, Crime Control and Prevention Program will be used to equip the Town of Olive Police Department with bullet proof vests, body cameras, a hand held radar system, and audio equipment for police vehicles.

“Our rural police departments are faced with a number of challenges – fighting crime and keeping costs in check -  and providing them with the tools necessary to perform and keep officers safe has always been a top priority of mine,” said Senator Seward.  

Town of Olive Supervisor Sylvia Rozzelle said, “Senator Seward’s attention to the Town of Olive is crucial and will make a real difference.  We can now move forward with the much needed roof replacement and properly equip our police while channeling local resources to other essential services.” 

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