By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-856850.mp3
Troy, NY – The NY Secretary of State was in Troy today to announce $3 Million for Community Services BlockGrant / Recovery Act Funding for the Capital Region ... WAMC's Dave Lucas was there.
The National Recovery Act Award Announcement - focused specifially on Troy - in essence, a groundbreaking event at 722 4th avenue for theYouthBuild program - A grant of over $360,000 in stimulus funding will support a two-year initiative, which New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cort s-V zquez believes comes at just the right time: "The CSBG Recovery Act funds will provide the Capital Region with an historic opportunity to make generational change in eliminating poverty in our state. Programs like YouthBuild will serve as the foundation for job creation for low-income people all throughout the state."
The Troy grant will provide approximately 72 students with GED instruction, job readiness training, construction and leadership skills, and they'll assist in building three homes over the same time period. The "green-certified" houses will then be sold at an affordable price to middle and low income families. Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino said: "This is truly a great day as 72 students will be given an opportunity to put their futures and careers back on track. I want to commend CEO, the New York Secretary of State's Office, and our own Hudson Valley Community College who have partnered to make this job training program a reality."
Partners in the program include Rensselaer County, the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) for the Greater Capital Region and Hudson Valley Community College - Congressman Paul Tonko supports the YouthBuild program: "These Recovery Act grants are important because they provide a better economic outcome for the students who will learn valuable skills that will lead them to new jobs. Youth Build will give these students the tools to start new careers and contribute to the well being of their communities. This project is proof that the Recovery Act is working to put people back to work."
The Recovery Act includes $1 billion in additional federal funds for Community Services Block Grant programs nationally, of which $86.7 million is earmarked for distribution in New York State.
The distribution of the CSBG funds made available through the ARRA is based on a federally set proportional share. The allocation in the Capital Region is included below:
Albany County Opportunity, Inc.: $ 394,540
Columbia Opportunities, Inc.: $361,765
Community Action of Greene County, Inc.:$ 361,765
Commission on Economic Opportunity for Greater Capital Region, Inc.: $361,765
Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. $361,765
Schenectady Community Action Program, Inc: $361,765<
>Warren-Hamilton Counties Action Committee for Economic Opportunities, Inc: $543,968
Washington County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.: $361,765
For more information about CSBG/ARRA, go to the DOS homepage at dos.state.ny.us