FY2025 Community Project Funding Submissions
FISCAL YEAR 2025 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING SUBMISSIONS
Rochester Institute of Technology / University of Rochester: Rochester Quantum Network (RoQNET)
Account/Program: Scientific and Technical Research and Services/Scientific and Technical Research
Amount Requested: $4,000,000
Project Request: Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Rochester seek equipment funding to jointly develop an experimental infrastructure designed to assess secure quantum communication networks that rely upon quantum encryption: a priority for national security. In addition to secure communications, quantum technologies create potential for enormous leaps in crucial scientific and strategic areas such as sensing, imaging, AI, and computing. This project will help the US maintain its leadership in quantum science and technology and ensure that the US captures the strategic, economic, and scientific benefits of operational quantum systems, strengthen efforts for joint research, and provide the key infrastructure and support needed to maintain national security and grow the US quantum technology industries. This project takes advantage of a new dual fiber network that was installed between RIT and UR in 2024. There is collaborative quantum network research taking place across NY State involving Brookhaven National Lab, Stony Brook, Air Force Research Laboratory and NYU. We anticipate these collaborations will create a secure fiber network that spans all of NY and eventually the US. This project will help develop the technology and facilities that will be key to the future success of the SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub aimed at strengthening US economic and national security. The SMART I-Corridor was chosen as representing a region and technical area which has the potential to become globally competitive in the technologies and industries of the future—and for those industries, companies, and the good jobs they create, to start, grow, and remain in the US. This joint request combines two leading research universities which have pledged to work together to build the workforce and knowledge base to attract tech companies in this emerging technology.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Monroe County: Gillett Road Bridge Removal, Regrading, and Road Replacement Project
Account/Program: Highway Infrastructure Grants (HIG)/General
Amount Requested: $8,110,000
Project Request:CSX owns the Gillett Road Bridge in Ogden that exists between Turner Drive to Erie Canal Bridge, that was closed because of potential structural failures. This project would remove the aging bridge, fill and regrade the location, and construct a new road to replace the bridge. This bridge is owned by CSX Corporation. It carries a Monroe County highway over a railroad right of way. The existing railroad tracks were removed in 1993/1994. In recent years, CSX has paid little attention to regular maintenance on the structure, and it has deteriorated considerably. In November 2022, as a courtesy, the NYSDOT Region 4 office notified Monroe County that an August 2022 inspection elicited a Red Structural Flag that was transmitted to CSX. They shared with Monroe County that CSX had not responded to the flag and in the interest of public safety, Monroe County might want to review the flag. The subsequent review resulted in moving traffic to take the live load off the beam that had been red flagged. When the structure was inspected again in August 2023, the condition of the substructures caused additional concern. In November 2023, Region 4 alerted Monroe County that the Main Office Structures Division was going to recommend either shoring up the bridge or closing it, due to the poor condition of the substructures. In the interest of public safety, and because Monroe County is not the owner of the bridge, the decision was made to close the bridge indefinitely to through traffic on December 6, 2023. The proposed project would remove the bridge and the resulting void would be filled in with embankment and granular subbase up to subgrade level of the existing roadway. The roadway in this section would be entirely reconstructed to complete the connection of the road. Additional work would include some milling and resurfacing, installation of new guiderail that meets current standards and regrading of several driveways. This bridge carries a county highway that is a vital local connector in the Spencerport area. It is used daily by multiple school buses, as it connects school facilities that are located on both sides of the bridge. It is a route to the commercial district in the Village of Spencerport and is used as a route by EMS providers to access part of the area that is north of the Erie Canal. It is a concern for fire safety as there are three properties located between the canal bridge and this bridge that have decreased fire and rescue access. Additionally, there are multiple businesses located in a business park south of the bridge that utilized it daily to get to areas north of the bridge and must now detour around the bridge.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Monroe County: Northwest Quadrant Water Resource Recovery Facility
Account/Program: Environmental Protection Agency/State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Amount Requested: $4,800,000
Project Request: The aging Northwest Quadrant Water Resource Recovery Facility (NWQ WRRF) requires maintenance and upgrades. The preliminary treatment project will more easily and efficiently remove larger objects including foreign objects, branches, and other large obstructions at the beginning of the wastewater treatment process. This project will evaluate, design, and install finer screens at the NWQ Screen & Grit Building.
Screening processes are utilized in wastewater treatment facilities to protect downstream water transfer and treatment equipment. Coarse screens are screens with openings greater than 0.25-inches and used to remove large objects from wastewater streams to prevent transfer pumps from being damaged and conveyance pipes from becoming clogged. Fine screens are screens with openings 0.25-inches or smaller and utilized to prevent damage to fine membranes or other treatment technologies that are sensitive to particle size (such as the fine bubble diffuser system to be designed and installed in the NWQ WRRF’s aeration process under a separate capital project).
This project will install fine screens at the NWQ WRRF, either Through-flow Screens or Band Screens based on the analysis of efficiencies and design criteria, with Milt-rake Course Screens installed upstream at the Buttonwood Pump Station to protect the intricate components associated with fine screens. The design of the screens will consider the existing influent channel dimensions and length to avoid significant channel and building modifications. Advantages associated with mechanical multiple-rake bar screens at the Buttonwood Pump Station include simplicity of design, operation, and maintenance; resistance to blinding; and minimal headloss.
Wastewater treatment facilities that lack sufficient screening risk facing difficulties that include frequent equipment maintenance, frequent and extended equipment downtime, reduction in process efficiency, and exposure of operators to hazards. In addition to the process improvements, it is important to note that by the time that the improvements are implemented the existing screening systems will be over 20 years old.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Town of Irondequoit: Irondequoit Bay Waterfront Revitalization Project
Account/Program: Economic Development Initiatives (EDI)/EDI
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Project Request: The Town of Irondequoit is a vibrant municipality surrounded by the City of Rochester to the south, the Genesee River to the west, Lake Ontario to the north and the Irondequoit Bay to the east. The Town's location makes it an ideal destination for urbanites and naturalists alike.
The Irondequoit Bay Waterfront Revitalization Project has been designed to reinvigorate an underutilized shoreline area. The goal of this project is to attract more Irondequoit residents, as well as visitors from across the region, to come and enjoy the natural beauty of the Irondequoit Bay Park and to partake in the many outdoor recreational activities available here. A revitalized experience would provide visitors with the opportunity to fish, bird watch, spend time boating on the water, enjoy time with family and friends or just to lay on the grass as a means of escape from the hustle and bustle of their hectic everyday lives.
Currently, at this location, there is a nautical-themed playground which consists of traditional playground equipment: swings, teeter-totter, slides, designed for children between the ages of two and twelve with old wood chip ground covering. There is one covered shelter with four picnic tables and limited parking. There is a line of trees and brush that borders the shoreline making access to the water difficult and dangerous.
There are a few walking trails which have been worn into existence over time by previous park-goers.
Through this project, the Town seeks to renovate the existing playground by adding adaptive playground equipment and replacing the current wood chip ground covering with ADA compliant material so that this area may be enjoyed by all our community's children and their families. The project includes the addition of more picnic tables along with grills and restroom facilities so that friends and families may come and spend the day at the park making beautiful memories together to last a lifetime. The creation of additional parking will provide easier access to the park for more visitors to enjoy. A car-top boat launch, which will be ADA compliant, will include handrails, a kayak stabilization system, and other assistive devices to allow safe and easy access to the water for paddlers of all ages and abilities. Boardwalk walking trails will be constructed along the shoreline to enhance the accessibility and safety of the shoreline area. All these improvements will highlight the value of the Irondequoit Bay shoreline, contribute to the well-being of its residents, and attract more visitors to the area.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Town of Perinton: Perinton Community Center & Playground Access Improvement Initiative
Account/Program: Economic Development Initiatives (EDI)/EDI
Amount Requested: $1,800,000
Project Request: This project is an economic and community development initiative for the necessary removal of architectural barriers, reconstruction, and installation at the Perinton Community Center and adjacent Center Park West playground.
The multipurpose community center, as well as the park area, are heavily used by many residents, neighbors, and visitors. Center Park West spans about 49 acres of recreational space, including soccer fields and is near the Perinton Community Center, Center Park Amphitheatre, and the RS&E Trolley Trail. However, there are mobility and accessibility restrictions, particularly for elderly and handicapped persons, that impede their ability to access the community center and park.
This capital improvement project supports the demolition of deteriorating and inadequate park playground equipment, the installation of new playground surfaces, and reconstruction of more inclusive amenities in a more accessible location on the same property site. This will allow visitors to be able to move throughout the park independently.
The community center offers programming for all ages, including Summer Day Camps, STEM exploration, sports skill development, and adult and senior fitness classes. The project will remove current architectural barriers to the elderly and handicapped persons by connecting sidewalks and entry areas, improving access to the information desk, and enhancing the overall mobility throughout the facility by installing accessible ADA compliant amenities through the multipurpose Perinton Community Center. These initiatives align with the Town’s on-going dedication to developing greater access to community amenities for residents and visitors alike resulting in greater community engagement as well as overall economic development.
In 2022, the Town of Perinton partnered with Rochester Accessible Adventures to produce Recommendations to Increase the Inclusivity of Perinton Recreation & Parks, identifying opportunities for elevated inclusivity. This capital project removes architectural barriers at the multipurpose community center site, minimizing current mobility and accessibility restrictions particularly for elderly and handicapped persons, growing the number of populations able to directly engage and interact in the Town’s numerous community-driven, as well as publicly available program offerings. This project scope of accessibility and mobility is a direct reflection of the Town’s prioritized initiatives towards community and economic development at public facilities and aligns with specific Federal Housing and Urban Development committee statutory requirements.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Town/Village of East Rochester: Acquisition & Development of Linden Park
Account/Program: Economic Development Initiatives (EDI)/EDI
Amount Requested: $1,300,000
Project Request: This project improves the physical infrastructure of East Rochester by injecting new park space into the community. This project converts 3 acres of private property with a vacant structure into a park with a lodge, pavilion and dedicated recreational activities, supporting the economic development of the community. This overly-developed municipality hasn't had the chance to add green space since the 1950s. The development of a new park with a lodge that can be rented and a pavilion that can hold 60 to 80 people will be a draw for residents and visitors from neighboring municipalities to make day trips to the Town/Village of East Rochester. Park users will support local stores by purchasing groceries and various other items for events at the park. Given the Town/Village's small size (1.4 sq. miles) and high level of walkability, park visitors can easily travel from the park to local shops and restaurants.
East Rochester will acquire and develop 3 acres of undeveloped land on the north side of the Town/Village into a park located at 237-241 East Linden Avenue. Features of the park will include: A 20 x 60 ft. open pavilion with roof, water, electric and capacity for 60 to 80 people; an ADA-approved, handicapped-accessible converted lodge (237 E. Linden) attached to a handicapped-accessible restroom building with two facilities; a dog park with a 6-foot chain-link fence, double-wide gate, engineered wood-fiber surface, water supply, six benches and key-fob access control; two horseshoe pits; two bocce courts; a 0.25 mile, 5-foot wide stone fitness trail with ten exercise stations and a 3-foot wood guide rail; two lit parking lots with 27 parking spaces; an ADA-compliant, 630 linear-foot sidewalk between the front of the park and Bluff Drive so residents can safely walk to and from the park; a water fountain with concrete walkway; 20 park benches; 5 picnic tables; 4 trash receptacles; 2 light poles for site lighting; directional signage around the fitness trail; and a steel double gate at the entrance to prevent illegal use of the parking lots overnight.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
City of Rochester: Olean Kennedy Site Remediation
Account/Program: Economic Development Initiatives (EDI)/EDI
Amount Requested: $2,300,000
Project Request: This project proposes to rehabilitate a long vacant plot of land in southwest Rochester. The end state sought through this project is the revitalization of the Olean Street neighborhood through the development of new, affordable housing stock.
If awarded, this project would fund site improvements to include a complete environmental investigation and remediation at the central block (Block 2) of the Olean-Kennedy redevelopment site in southwest Rochester. This project would also fund the rehabilitation of the smaller Blocks 1 and 2. Together, these activities will enable the City to complete all environmental cleanup and site preparation activities at this long-vacant contaminated site and prepare them for development of affordable housing consistent with community plans.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Upgrades
Account/Program: Transportation Infrastructure Grants (TIG)/General
Amount Requested: $3,600,000
Project Request: RGRTA seeks funding to enhance public transportation service by investing in hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure upgrades. RGRTA is in the process of pivoting to hydrogen fuel cell technology and is currently adding hydrogen fuel cell buses and vans to its fleet, as well as portable hydrogen fueling infrastructure. This project funding will provide the required upgrades to existing garage facilities allowing RGRTA to properly store and maintain these vehicles.
Fuel cells improve the performance of electric buses by generating onboard power from hydrogen to recharge the batteries. Hydrogen is ideal for centralized fueling of transit fleets and quick refueling means buses have less downtime and higher utilization. The expansion of RGRTA’s zero-emission vehicles to include hydrogen fuel cell electric buses will help to define the benefits of hydrogen compared to battery electric buses, allowing transit agencies across the nation to better inform the makeup of their zero-emission fleets.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Monroe Community College: Optics Manufacturing Instructional Equipment
Account/Program: Economic Development Initiatives (EDI)/EDI
Amount Requested: $3,240,000
Project Request: The passing of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 continues to drive the need for a technically skilled workforce nationwide, while the pandemic demonstrated the need for domestic chip manufacturing. Monroe Community College’s (MCC) is responding locally by building a new, state-of-art Applied Technology Education Center (ATC) to house advanced manufacturing, optical systems technologies, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and automotive technology. MCC requests funding for vital Optics instructional equipment that will be purchased and installed in the new ATC. These installations and the associated site improvements will support education and training for new entrants into the high-tech semiconductor manufacturing and optics fields, including apprentices and the upskilling of incumbent workers.
MCC is a national leader in optics training, and the first community college in the country to offer associate degrees in precision optics. MCC expects to at least double the number of workers trained when the new ATC facility comes online. The equipment used in the labs and courses teach students the skills that support the manufacture of semiconductors chips, such as coating that is applied to lenses used to produce semiconductors. As such, the new Optics space will need to be fully equipped to maximize return on investment and fully realize this project’s economic development benefits.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration designated the NY SMART I-Corridor (a region of upstate New York including Buffalo; Rochester; and Syracuse, Ithaca; Auburn; and Batavia MSAs) a Tech Hub for semiconductor manufacturing. To establish the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem imagined with that designation, career pathways and instructional training centers need to be expanded to create open access for all residents, especially the region’s historically underserved communities.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Monroe County Water Authority: System-wide Cybersecurity modernization and resiliency for MCWA
Account/Program: Environmental Protection Agency/State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project Request: The Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) is a public Drinking Water system which services over 185,000 private homes and businesses - a total household population of approximately 750,000 people, throughout seven (7) Counties in western New York State. The MCWA leadership is taking a proactive approach to the issue of cybersecurity and is motivated by recent attacks on similarly situated drinking water providers. This system-wide approach will benefit all the MCWA rate payers by preventing a ‘worst case scenario’ and the economic after-effects of a disruption in service.
This project would fund modernization resiliency measures to 1) secure the servers which operate all critical operations and data storage, 2) installation of a new backup system to ensure rapid data recovery 3) funding for resiliency testing and comprehensive vulnerability assessment (penetration test) using a third-party vendor. Also envisioned are 4) physical infrastructure security (surveillance) improvements and 5) installation of state-of-the-art threat detection software.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Village of Brockport: Sanitary Sewer System Upgrade
Account/Program: Environmental Protection Agency/State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Project Request: The Village of Brockport sanitary sewer collection system consists of antiquated clay piping and brick manholes, which frequently experience age related failures and collapses. In addition to requiring significant improvement, the sanitary system also suffers from high amounts of inflow and infiltration (I/I) leaving downstream infrastructure susceptible to backups and overflows. Residents in the lower elevation areas of Brockport have already experienced sewage backing up into their homes during storm events. In total, the sanitary sewer system serves about 7,000 residents in the Village of Brockport.
The Village of Brockport Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Project will upgrade critical sewage collection system infrastructure and will include both sewer main and manhole rehabilitation with a focus on reducing I/I. This project will help protect the water quality in nearby environmental resources, prevent sewer overflows and backups, and ensure continued reliable sanitary sewer service can be provided.
Specifically, the federal funds will be used to contract a qualified engineering firm to complete design drawings, specifications, bidding, and construction administration to ensure all improvements comply with current standards and are implemented per contract document. They will also be used for actual materials for the critical upgrades to the sewage collection system infrastructure and will include both sewer main and manhole rehabilitation with a focus on reducing I/I.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Rise Up Rochester / CCSI: Rise Up Rochester: Safe Housing Gun Violence Response Program
Account/Program: State & Local Law Enforcement Assistance/Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project Request: Rise Up Rochester's Safe Housing Gun Violence Response Program provides essential services for people who have experienced gun violence by providing real-time housing relocation funding to survivors of gun violence, court support for testifying victims, and support groups.
When people are harmed by gun violence, they are “high risk” for future violence. It is difficult for police to solve gun crimes without victims testifying. Rise Up Rochester provides the funds to move people into new apartments, helps with the relocation, and uses the time with the survivors to begin to address underlying causes of gun violence in support groups led by professionals. Additionally, Rise Up Rochester brings them to court to testify against assailants and supports them every step of the way.
Project funding will specifically fund (1) dispute resolution planning and supportive, compassionate engagement with victims of gun violence and their families; (2) monthly support groups facilitated by an MSW; (3) court appearance support, reminders, and transportation for victims of violence; (4) Relocation assistance and support; (5) First Month’s Rent and one Month Security Deposits using FMR 2024 rates or hosting families in hotels while they search for safe housing, (6) frequent check-ins, and engagement / mediation by outreach staff; and (7) follow-ups in the months following the family’s move, to learn if victims avoided further victimization and violence, and if they maintained stable housing.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Christ for Kids Ministries Miss Julie’s School of Beauty: Therapeutic Cosmetology School
Account/Program: State & Local Law Enforcement Assistance/Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Amount Requested: $476,583
Project Request: This project proposes to assist survivors of human trafficking, generally, and sex-trafficking, specifically, by bridging the gap between rescue/rehabilitation services and independent living. Specifically, we propose to help survivors transition back into the workforce by providing them with vocational training and therapeutic services that will earn them a cosmetology license and the opportunity to enter into a stable and rewarding career. In doing so, this project will give survivors a path to self-sufficiency that will disincentivize recidivism and may encourage them to come forward as witnesses.
This proposal represents the first year of operations, during which the focus will be on enrolling the initial cohort of 10 students. Survivors of sex trafficking, referred through safe houses and other organizations, will be enrolled in a 1,000-hour (10-month) cosmetology licensing program that incorporates therapeutic tools and materials to aid in reflection and emotional regulation. Our legal counsel will help students through the cosmetology board hearings, providing letters of good conduct if necessary, to overcome any barriers to licensure before beginning the program.
Funds allocated to this program will support personnel costs and staff training, as well as the acquisition of supplies and equipment with which to provide students instruction in the fundamentals of cosmetology, business skills, team building, and independent living. All tools necessary for learning and beginning practice will be provided. Job placement in partnered trauma-informed salons will be available to all graduates.
This proposal does not include the established and ongoing Assessment and Intervention Training program, which is funded separately, nor the capital build budget, which is funded primarily with state grants.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
City of Rochester: RPD Body Worn Camera
Account/Program: State & Local Law Enforcement Assistance/Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Amount Requested: $150,000
Project Request: This project proposes to enhance the Rochester Police Department’s (RPD) Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program by acquiring specially adapted BWCs for SWAT team members. Specifically, this project proposes to acquire special cameras and helmet mounts for use during SWAT operations.
If awarded, this funding will allow RPD to expand its BWC program. This program is an important element of RPD’s larger community policing efforts: it improves police effectiveness, facilitates the flow of information, and ensures transparency which, in turn, enhances police/community relations.
Notice of Financial Disclosure
Lollypop Farm: Humane Law Enforcement
Account/Program: State & Local Law Enforcement Assistance/Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Amount Requested: $344,420
Project Request: For over 150 years, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has been a safe haven and resource center for pets and people in Western New York. They provide all-encompassing services for pet owners, including humane education programming, adoptions, animal cruelty investigations, veterinary services, a pet food pantry, animal behavior support, temporary boarding for pets whose families are in crisis, and much more.
Their Humane Law Enforcement services are a hallmark of their work. They maintain an SPCA designation across four counties in upstate New York, through which they investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws. Lollypop Farm’s ability to expertly investigate animal crimes fills an extraordinary gap within the community, and beyond.
Lollypop Farm is requesting congressional funding to ensure that they can meet the mounting need for services by funding essential one-time costs of humane law enforcement operations including equipment and personnel, and fund staff time spent enhancing the state and nationwide structure of Humane Law Enforcement to benefit animals and people in communities across the United States.
The project includes: (1) Acquiring two additional Humane Law Enforcement investigators, nearly doubling their capacity to investigate cases of animal cruelty across the four-county area; (2) Providing emergency rescue services through Lollypop Farm’s Animal Emergency Response Team to animals located in Monroe, Genesee, Livington, and Orleans counties in instances of natural disasters, fires, hoarding cases, and cases of suspected animal abuse and cruelty; (3) Collaborating with the New York State Animal Protection Federation to develop standards for SPCAs in order to strengthen animal crime investigations; and (4) Developing a plan to implement dog encounter trainings for recruits at law enforcement agencies statewide, to teach alternatives to using a firearm on aggressive dogs.