Collins Supports Funding Initiatives Across WNY

Press Release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted for the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act that includes funding for the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and Veterans Crisis Line, a fitness Facility at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (ARS), and robust funding for various water infrastructure and energy independence projects.

Earlier this week, Collins announced that an amendment he authored increased funding for the Army Corps Investigations Account was passed and included in the bill, which would provide enough funding for the first phase of the Great Lakes Costal Resiliency Study (GLCRS).

This legislation also rolls back the Obama era “Waters of the United States” rule which has been damaging to the agriculture industry by placing burdensome regulations targeted towards small bodies of water. Since the rule was implemented, Collins has been a vocal advocate against this overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“I was proud to support this important legislation that provides funding for many significant programs across my district,” said Collins. “From making sure our veterans and members of our military have the resources they need, to investing in our region’s water and energy infrastructure, many priorities of Western New Yorkers are taken care of in this bill.”

Collins’ priorities that are in the FY19 Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act include:

• $190 million for phase II of the reconstruction at the Canandaigua VA;
• Full funding of $196 million for the Veterans Crisis Line, headquartered at the Canandaigua VA;
• $150 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) that includes the Niagara Falls Storage Site, and increase from $112 million in previous years;
• $75 million in funding for the West Valley Demonstration Project, an increase from $5 million in previous years;
• $1.6 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, an increase from $1.36 billion in previous years;
• An additional $1.2 million for the Army Corps Investigations Account, which is enough funding for the first phase of the GLCRS;
• $14 million for the physical fitness facility at the Niagara Falls ARS, expedited to FY19 from FY21; and,
• Increased funding for the Continuing Authorities Program under the Army Corps of Engineers to complete projects such as erosion protection along NYS Route 5 in Athol Springs

Additionally, this legislation also encourages the Army Corps of Engineers to support research that will identify and develop improved strategies for early detection, prevention, and management techniques and procedures to reduce the occurrence and impacts of harmful algal blooms in our nation’s water resources.

Collins added: “This important legislation is proof that Congress is working hard to deliver for the American people. We are prioritizing national security, investing in infrastructure, and targeting funds for economic growth. I’m proud of the work we are doing to support critical program in Western New York and the Finger Lakes.”