Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) announced today that the federal omnibus spending bill passed by Congress included significant funds for several important projects in Brooklyn.  Although the spending bill will not be signed into law until a last minute, controversial provision is removed, the final bill is not expected to change any local projects. Towns said the funds are concentrated in the areas of education, health care and economic development which are all critical for the long term growth and success of the Brooklyn community.

One of the biggest winners in the bill was the Brooklyn Public Library receiving a $700,000 grant to improve the sidewalks, cross walks and bus stop drop off points for its patrons. 

"It has become increasingly difficult for large number of school groups who visit the library to find a safe drop-off point for students given the busy intersection at which the Library is located," said Towns.  "Also as the library continues to expand its services, we need to make sure it can handle projected increases in the number of visitors."

Continuing with his legislative priority of improving access to quality health care, Congressman Towns secured a $320,000 grant for Kings County Hospital Center to develop and operate the first ever, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Resource Center.

"Diabetes is a disease that hits the African-American and Hispanic-American communities particularly hard, and the tragedy is that many of the complications from this disease can be prevented by early detection and treatment," said Towns   "I am confident that by developing innovative solutions to treat this disease, the new Center will greatly assist Kings County Hospital in ensuring a healthier community."

Towns also secured an additional $500,000 for Kings County Hospital Center's garage project, which should greatly ease parking concerns for hospital visitors, patients, and staff.

A $320,000 award was also obtained for Pratt Institute's Design Center to solidify its position as one of the nation's leaders in Interactive Integration of Design Technologies.   This federal investment will be used to develop a state of the art design technology facility for architecture, industrial design, fashion design and communication design.

 "This is a win-win for our students and local economy," said Towns.  "Design plays an integral role in every aspect of the production of consumer goods and materials, and while many people may not know it, design is the second largest revenue producer in New York."

Towns also highlighted several other important projects in Brooklyn receiving federal funds, including:

• St. Joseph's College ($400,000) to create 37 "smart classrooms," 22 for its Brooklyn and 15 for the Patchogue campus.   These classrooms will be fully integrated, technological facilities that will provide students with the chance to use, explore and experiment with the technology students encounter during advanced study and in their future careers.  This project was also supported by Congressman Timothy Bishop (D-Long Island).
 
• New York City College of Technology ($200,000) to develop a retention program for students at-risk of not completing a four year degree.

• Medgar Evers College ($200,000) to provide educational and supportive services for young adults who are re-entering society from prison. 

• BAM Local Development Corporation ($194,000) to develop an outdoor public plaza, underground parking, and enhanced streetscaping for the mixed use multi-cultural arts district in Downtown Brooklyn (bounded by Flatbush Ave., Lafayette Ave., Ashland Place., and Hanson Place).

• City Parks Foundation ($75,000) to expand existing recreation, community involvement, and learning opportunities at community parks for Brooklyn youth in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and East New York.

• The Downtown Learning Center, ($75,000) an independent, non-profit arm of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, to expand the Center's Comprehensive Youth Violence/Gang Prevention Program. which provides a wide array of educational, social services and recreation activities.

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