Congressman Mike Lawler Announces 15 Critical Investment Projects for 17th District

By M.C. Millman

Congressman Mike Lawler held a press conference this morning at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall, announcing the fifteen critical investment projects he put forward to the Appropriations Committee in Congress for approval for his District.

The fifteen projects for the 17th District were selected from the more than one hundred requests submitted to Lawler from the many municipalities in his entire District. The Congressman chose to focus on long-term infrastructure projects.

Every Congressman is entitled to present fifteen projects for his District for Community Projects Funding (CPF). After selection, the projects will need to be finalized by the Appropriations Committee. The Committee seeks local support, powerfully demonstrated this morning by the large bipartisan group of Town Supervisors and County officials from across the District who attended the press conference.

The most urgent request from among the fifteen projects the Congressman announced for his District is a request for $15 million to go toward sidewalks and road upgrades for the Town of Ramapo. The critical funding will reduce traffic deaths and improve pedestrian safety throughout Ramapo. The sidewalk and road funding, if awarded, will be distributed within the Towns and Villages, including Chestnut Ridge, Wesley Hills, New Hempstead, Pomona and Airmont. 

Other critical infrastructure projects include improving Rockland County's water quality, Ramapo infrastructure improvements, working to stop flooding in Clarkstown, and securing funding for Haverstraw's infrastructure.

All of the projects submitted came with numerous letters of support from local leaders, elected officials, municipalities, and community leaders and residents, as the Appropriations Committee requires that each project have broad community support.

“I look forward to securing these funds,” Lawler said during the press conference, “to help continue to improve public safety here and throughout the Hudson.”

The critical investment projects will move forward over the next few weeks, with the ultimate goal being that each gets confirmed by the House Committee on Appropriations.