Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced more than $24.67 million in funding he requested for Western New York projects is included in the federal budget legislation released on December 20, 2022, and headed for a vote in the House of Representatives and Senate later this week. 

“These projects fulfill community needs ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to public safety and community development,” said Higgins. “Through regular communication with local stakeholders we’ve identified transformative projects and fought to deliver for Western New York.”

Below is a list of 15 local projects totaling $24,671,036, requested by Rep. Higgins, which were included in the budget legislation:

  • Bird Island Pier: $10 million 

U.S. Army Corps Buffalo District project

  • Bailey Avenue Complete Streets Signal Synchronization: $1 million

City of Buffalo infrastructure and technology upgrades

  • Aquarium of Niagara$694,925

Installation of a New Geothermal Heating and Cooling System

  • Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens: $750,000 

Botanical Gardens Expansion Project

  • Launch NY: $1 million

Assistance for start-up businesses in Erie & Niagara Counties

  • Grand Island Senior Center: $750,000

Senior Center Improvements

  • Hispanic Heritage Institute of WNY: $1 million

Construction of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute

  • Niagara University: $750,000

Establishing science labs & classrooms at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

  • Amherst Police Communications Tower: $900,000

Project enhancing emergency communications in the Town of Amherst

  • One Symphony Circle: $1.5 million

Improving & preserving a historic building in West Buffalo

  • Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper: $480,000

Lake Erie shoreline monitoring and protection

  • Substance Use Disorder Treatment Center: $2,377,172

Establishing 40 inpatient rehab beds on Catholic Health’s St. Joseph Campus

  • People Inc.: $2,035,139

Telehealth for seniors and people with disabilities

  • Twin Cities Memorial Highway: $500,000

City of North Tonawanda Infrastructure improvement project

  • University at Buffalo Mobile Health Clinic: $933,800

Based in Seneca-Babcock, expanding health & wellness in Erie & Niagara County underserved areas

In addition to this direct funding, the budget will deliver millions more to Western New York through federal programs and projects related to health, veterans, community development, transportation and more.