Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Congressman Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22), and Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect benefits and access to care for hundreds of thousands of seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in Upstate New York.

Last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made a needed adjustment to the wage index for Upstate hospitals, treating geographically rural and rural reclassified hospitals equally. This change led to wage index increases of 20-40% across Upstate New York. 

While this provided significant relief for hospitals that had been severely underpaid by the fee-for-service program, it inadvertently placed substantial financial pressure on regional Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are predominantly non-profit organizations. Because CMS did not account for these new costs in their benchmark rates for 2024, MA plans have experienced significant financial challenges that jeopardize plans’ ability to provide affordable, quality coverage to their beneficiaries. Without relief, health plans will be forced to cut benefits and increase premiums for seniors who can least afford it.

This legislation would address these dramatic reductions in access and benefits by granting CMS the ability to adjust their benchmark amounts to account for local areas with wage indices that grew by 20 percent or greater. This needed relief will ensure regional, non-profit MA plans remain viable and safeguard enrollees’ robust benefits and access to quality care.

“Our community's seniors deserve continued access to affordable, high-quality healthcare,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By adjusting the benchmark rates to reflect the increased costs faced by our regional plans, we can protect our seniors from losing essential coverage and experiencing higher premiums. This bill will ensure that Medicare Advantage plans continue to provide the robust benefits that so many members of our community rely on.”

“Ensuring our seniors have access to the most affordable health plans and are able to maintain their popular Medicare Advantage benefits is one of my top priorities which is why I am proud to co-lead this legislation to address the wage index reclassification,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

“Many Upstate New Yorkers rely on not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans,” said Congressman Molinaro. “I’m proud to support Rep. Tenney’s bill to give CMS the authority to ensure seniors have access to the benefits they earned and are fully cared for.”

In honor of Memorial Day, it is imperative to talk of the stories of those who gave their lives in service to our country. One such Genesee County soldier’s life was just recently brought to light at the museum, Robert J. Zeis, who served and was killed in the Second World War. As with many of the veterans that we have come to remember in the history of the county, the information has come from family members. In this case, it was Robert’s niece, Marjorie Gilhooly, who brought in his medals and service record for us to share.

Robert J. Zeis was born on July 29, 1911, in Buffalo to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zeis. He entered the Army even before the United States’ entrance into World War II, joining on April 11, 1941. He was added to Company B of the 28th Infantry, 8th Division. Zeis was shuffled around many training facilities both in the United States and overseas, particularly in Ireland before his unit saw serious action. Their crucible of fire would come almost a month after D-Day, on July 4th, 1944. Technical Sergeant Zeis and his comrades were part of the following forces after the initial landings in Normandy, landing at Utah Beach.

After the breakouts from the beachhead, they were part of the fierce fighting in and around the Normandy peninsula. Their first contact with the enemy was to establish bridgeheads over the Ay River, allowing for further attacks into Brittany and Northern France. During this push, Zeis’s unit captured over 115,000 prisoners and tons of war material.

Robert Zeis would be part of the force that was marching north out of France towards Belgium and the Netherlands in an effort to cross into Germany. They took part in Operation Queen in November 1944 to capture crossings across the Rur River and the Hurtgen Forest. The operation was hard sledding as the German forces controlled the vital dams along the river, and the Battle of the Bulge farther south did not allow for many reinforcements. The Germans blew the dams and flooded the river plain making the Allied attacks even more difficult. 

Zeis’s unit was part of the attack called Operation Grenade, during which the river was finally crossed on February 23, 1945. It was during this attack that Technical Sgt. Robert Zeis was killed that morning. He was initially buried in the American National Cemetery near Margratan, Netherlands, but in 1948 his body was brought back to the United States and was buried in Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira. Robert Zeis left behind his widow, Lillian (Seibert).

Technical Sergeant Robert J. Zeis received the following medals for his service, which are pictured in the article. They are in the possession of his niece, Marjorie Gilhooly. Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Service Ribbon, European Campaign Service Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Service Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

On Thursday afternoon, Danielle Rotondo, general manager at Terry Hills, presented JT Turnbull with $16,228.55 -- the total of funds raised at a charity golf tournament held at the course on Saturday.

The funds will assist Turnbull with expenses related to lifestyle adjustments following a spinal injury while skiing in January.

Rotondo set a fundraising goal of $10,000 for the event.

There is also and ongoing GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 to assist Turnbull.

Previously: Terry Hills hosts golf tournament to assist JT Turnbull on his new journey

The Batavia Police Department honored the men and women who served the city of Batavia as peace officers on Wednesday at Officer Arthur J. Luplow's graveside.

Luplow served the city for 26 years, from the incorporation of the city in 1915 until his retirement in 1941.

He likely served as a village constable prior to incorporation.

He's described as a gentle giant—a big man who filled a big uniform once on display at the Holland Land Office Museum but whose final on-duty photo shows him holding the hands of two children, helping them cross a street.

Following his retirement, he was an exempt fireman and served as the organization's president. He was also active in Elks and a "formidable" cribbage player.

Luplow is buried in Grandview Cemetery.

There are approximately 50 people who retired from the police department buried in various cemeteries in Genesee County.

Police Officers Memorial Day was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

It is observed across the nation annually on May 15.

Troop A holds an observance each year at a memorial at the Batavia Barracks for troopers who have died in the line of duty.

Welcome home to 17 Northern Blvd! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch has a large yard, shed, and attached garage. Freshly painted throughout with new carpet and extra soft padding, the home features a new gas fireplace and mantel. Enjoy the light and open spaces of the generous rooms and numerous windows. You'll appreciate the convenience of first-floor laundry and the partially finished basement with a bar area and entertainment space. During the warmer months, take advantage of the spacious yard and the privacy of cul-de-sac living. This home is a must-see! Delayed negotiations until Tuesday 6/4 at 2PM.

At the start of every season, when asked, "Who are the players fans should really watch this season?" Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez has the same trouble answering the question

He just can't seem to narrow the response down to two or three players.

"It's not fair to just pick just one. I can pick them all. I love all my guys," Martinez said. "I bet on them. I bet on us. You know, that's all I can do. That's all I know. I like them all."

He did try to single out a few players, starting with, "We've got a couple of arms out there that are pretty impressive."

There's Michael Benedict, Matt Misiti, Reed Marcum, and Garrett Brunstetter.

"Liam Ryan is pretty nasty. He's pretty nasty," Martinez said. "I watched him yesterday. He's pretty nasty."

He added, "I like the arms that we have, and we still got three or four guys coming. I'm looking forward to our William and Mary guy getting here. Anthony Greco. It looks like he's going to be a good guy.

Yet to arrive yet is a projected third baseman, Jake Butler.

"He's a very young guy with a very high IQ," Martinez said. "He has a great feel for the game."

Then he mentions Justin Austin and says, "I mean, the list goes on and on. We have got some really good players. I'm not even sure who else to say. The list goes on and on."

There are also a half-dozen or more returners, including local pitchers Bryceton Berry and Ty Woods. Trey Bacon, Garrett Beaver, Isidro Rosario, Lucas Lopez, and Tucker Beving are also returning.

James Bolton, from Webster, will make his Muckdogs debut this season. 

"I always have a lot of surprises and tricks up my sleeve, but I think our team is a little younger this year, a little bit more athletic, a little bit more speed," Martinez said. "We tried to make some adjustments in the offseason. So I would say more bats and balls skills. The pitching staff is looking good on top of that; I think, you know, with the Dogs, we are always gonna be competitive, man, you know, that's the only way I like it -- win or go home."

The Muckdogs open the season on Thursday in Jamestown, followed by an away game on Friday in Elmira, before the home opener against Elmire at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday. Fireworks will follow the game.

The team's first day game at Dwyer is on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against Niagara Falls Americans, a new team in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, and like Batavia and Elmira, the team is owned by Robbie and Nellie Nichols. The next home page after that is June 6 at 6:35 p.m. against Newark.  For the complete 2024 schedule, click here. For the current roster, click here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will shut down the water around Jackson Street on Thursday, May 30, for a valve replacement.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Water will be shut off on Ellicott from Liberty to Jackson and Jackson from Main to Ellicott.

As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press Release:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort. 

The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 20 to June 2, 2024. 

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented.”

The national seat belt use rate in 2023 was 91.9%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.1% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.  

One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night. Also, seat belt use differs among females and males. Of the males killed in crashes in 2021, more than half (54%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 42% were not buckled up.  

“If the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”  

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

Press Release:

Please be advised that Alva Place from Bank Street to State Street will be closed on Friday, May 31 from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We recommend selecting an alternate route to minimize traffic congestion.

Please also note effective May 31 at 3:30 p.m., the City will close Alva Place from Bank Street to the entrance of the City Centre parking lot near JC Penney’s for the duration of the Police Station construction project.

The closure is in anticipation of the beginning of Phase 2 Police Facility Parking Plan. The goal is to make parking accessible for businesses on Washington Avenue and State Street in the City Parking lot during the construction project.

Please see the attached Phase 2 map for reference. Phase 2 will commence in mid to late June. Please plan accordingly, when accessing parking around the construction site.

Press Release:

On May 23 the Byron-Bergen Elementary School grounds transformed into an outdoor agricultural education classroom for the annual Farm Day celebration. Jr./Sr. High School students who participate in FFA or study agriculture in science classes volunteer to spend the day teaching the younger students about where their food comes from. 

The goal of the event, which began four years ago, is to introduce elementary students to the agriculture community in which they live and to spark their interest in pursuing advanced agricultural studies in high school. And it’s working.

The fourth annual Farm Day boasted 22 student volunteers, double the number from of last year. In its first year, Farm Day was only for kindergarten students and the information was presented by adults from the community. As the event expanded, older students stepped into the instructional roles.

“It’s significant to see the high school students sharing their animals, knowledge, and interest in agriculture with the elementary students,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary Principal Kristin Loftus. “The younger students can see themselves as Farm Day presenters in a couple years, and they’re excited about it.”

“I think today was really interesting!” said fifth-grade student Adalin Davidson. 

Davidson was not raised on a farm but is “definitely” planning to join the FFA and study agriculture in high school.

According to Jr./Sr. High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Jeff Parnapy, the increase in student Farm Day volunteers reflects the increased participation in agriculture education in the district.

“This year we really started to see the effects,” said Parnapy. “Participation in the FFA has doubled. Enrollment in the higher-level agriculture classes has doubled. I hope these young people will participate when they get to high school, too.”

Tenth-grade Farm Day volunteer and FFA member Grace Mundell agrees that the opportunity to learn about agriculture has shaped her future plans. Although she was not raised on a farm, she hopes to live on one someday.

“I joined the FFA in eighth grade and I always had an interest in animals,” said Mundell. “I had friends in FFA who got to do a bunch of cool stuff so I decided that would be a good way for me to learn, too.”

Farm Day 2024 included presentations on cereal grains, animal feeds, maple syrup production, the history of the FFA, planting and growing sunflowers, and dozens of animals including cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs, rabbits, rats, and chinchillas.

By James Fink

The upcoming Bourbon & Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs is seen as a natural fit for both Jeff Weisenborn's company and the venerable Genesee County destination.

"I see it as a perfect partnership," said Weisenborn, a sales representative for the Cheektowaga office of Empire Merchants North.

Empire is the regional distributor of popular brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester - three of the most popular bourbon and whiskey brands sold in Western New York.

Batavia Downs and Empire Merchants North are partnering for the Sixth Annual Bourbon & Whiskey Fest on June 8, which also ties in with the Belmont Stakes. Various Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve will be showcased.

"We do events like this because it helps draw attention to all our brands," Weisenborn said. "Jack Daniel's is an old town classic."

Events like the Bourbon & Whiskey Fest help Weisenborn "connect" with those who buy the various Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester brands.

"People love to talk whiskey," Weisenborn said. "Whiskey and bourbon are extremely popular. People associate it with getting together and having a good time. And they love the history of our brands."

The Sixth Annual Batavia Downs Bourbon and Whiskey Fest is Saturday, June 8. The event runs 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a $20 coupon for free play at Batavia Downs, a $5 betting voucher for the Belmont Stakes, food, a program, and a free glass. Tickets are available through BataviaConcerts.com.

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.  Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.

Press release:

Please be advised that Bank Street from Alva Place to Washington Avenue will be closed on Thursday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To minimize traffic congestion, we recommend selecting an alternate route.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we work to improve our community. 

Philip Klein is a successful film composer in Hollywood; still, it's nice to come home again and visit your alma mater.

Especially if the same high school orchestra that helped mold your talent is preparing to debut a piece you wrote and arranged.

"It's very meaningful to me, it's very special," Klein said. "My world in L.A. now. It is so fast-paced. Kind of crazy. So to come back here and just kind of have this moment that feels like a community again, you know, you don't really get that, and to share it with students. It's really special. It means a lot to me that they would even want something from me and that they would take the time to play it so well."

The piece is Flight of the Voyager, which tells the story of Voyager 2. The spacecraft was launched in 2018 and is the first craft to reach Uranus and Neptune and is the second craft to reach interstellar space.

The piece was written specifically for the Pembroke Concert Orchestra to perform.  It makes its international debut on May 30th at 6:30 p.m. in the Pembroke Junior-Senior High School Auditorium.

Klein graduated from Pembroke in 2003. He studied trumpet performance and composition at Northwestern University. In 2011, he was selected as one of six fellows with the Sundance Institute's Film Composing Lab. In 2009, he won Best Composing from the ATAS Foundation's College and Television Awards. He was a nominee in 2022 for best original score for an animated film, for Wish Dragon, from the International Film Music Critics. The same group named him Break Through Film Composer of the Year in 2021. He won the Alan Parsons Award in 2022 for Best Original Score Short Film (Who Goes There).

His film credits include Joker, The Mandalorian, Medieval, The Last Full Measure, Cicero in the Winter, and Clones Gone Wild, along with dozens of others where he participated in the scoring or orchestration.

"It's amazing to us that Mr. Klein wrote the piece for Pembroke, and our band director,  John Bailey, is wildly excited for our students to get to meet and work with him," said Superintendent Matthew Calderon.

At the rehearsal on Tuesday, Klein was clearly enjoying himself.

"It's a lot of fun for me to be back," Klein said. "First off, I mean, just to be in, in school with them again, and just the energy of seeing a group like that play together. And it's always fun to hear your piece of music played live for the first time. They did great; they worked really hard. And it's not an easy piece."

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next presenter in our Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. David Whitcombe is a member of the volunteer team at the Buffalo Maritime Center who has been working for years on a reproduction of the Seneca Chief packet boat in honor of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025. The boat is an exact replica of the one used by Governor DeWitt Clinton as he rode the canal at its opening. David will touch mainly on the construction of the boat itself as well as the historical, cultural and economic significance of the project. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you plan on attending, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. 

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!" 

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m. In honor of the beginning of the Korean War in 1950, our topic will be the 1950s or also known as "The Fabulous Fifties." Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend. 

As part of New York State's Path Through History Weekend on Saturday, June 15, the Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting a Military Timeline and Encampment featuring reenactors from many different time periods and conflicts from the history of the United States and New York. The event features an outdoor encampment in addition to indoor displays featuring equipment, weapons, and other artifacts. Visitors can interact with soldiers and sailors from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, etc., and learn more about the life of a military man throughout time, their equipment, and the conflicts that they fought in. The museum itself will also be open as well, featuring exhibits relating to the local history of Genesee County. The event and museum will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 veterans/seniors/students, $1 for children, and $10 for a family of four. 

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m. Daisy Nicosia, the Curator/Archivist of the Seneca Falls Historical Society, will be presenting "To the Men of Enterprise & Capital: The Settling of Early New York." Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend. 

"When people do research, especially in the Central New York area, one question that they always ask is what are military land grants? How did settlers end up in Western New York state? “To Men of Enterprise and Capital” will go over the settling of early New York State, starting briefly with early colonists and indigenous tribes before expanding into the settlement of Western and Central New York." "This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!" 

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E morning coffee series on Thursday, June 27 at 9 a.m. Our Director, Ryan Duffy, will be presenting on the "Agrarian Opposition to the Holland Land Company," which details the conventions established in the late 1810s through the 1830s across Western New York in opposition to the policies' perception of the Holland Land Company. Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for sponsoring Java with Joe for 2024. 

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Concert Series on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Don Dwyer will be playing "The Music of the Women of the Civil War." The program includes songs either written or inspired by women in the 1850s and 1860s. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. If you plan to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727. "This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

For Tom Turnbull, it was good to have his son, JT, back out at the golf course having a good time and to see all of the people who showed up to support JT on Saturday enjoying themselves despite the rain.

"That's what's important," Turnbull said.

It's also important, said Danielle Rotondo, general manager at Terry Hills, to help raise money to assist with JT Turnbull's adjustments to a changed life.

JT sustained serious injuries in a skiing accident on Jan. 27.  He suffered a spinal injury and can no longer walk.

Rotondo said the goal was to raise $10,000.

Tom Turnbull said all of the money—including donations through the ongoing GoFundMe campaign (now up to more than $76,000 with a goal of raising $100,000)—will help with home modifications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, any equipment he needs and any unpaid hospital bills.

"Every dollar will go to his journey to get better, and get adjusted to life," Turnbull said.

Tom Turnbull is amazed by Rotondo's support, saying the Rotondos are like a second family. Turnbull, former president of the Chamber of Commerce, works part-time at Terry Hills. He's also in two leagues. His wife, Michelle, plays in two leagues, and JT also plays in two leagues.

"This is our second home," he said.

Rontondo shared a similar view of the Turnbulls.

"The Turnbulls have been part of our family for years, whether through leagues, the Ladies' Association so I worked with Tom at the Chamber," Rotondo said. "When this happened, we all came together and said this is something we wanted to do for them. What better way (to help) than to put on a golf tournament?"

Turnbull said that JT has been doing well.

"He has got the most fantastic attitude," Turnbull says. "He's kept Michelle and me going for these last three months. He hasn't had hardly any bad days the whole time. He's looking forward. He's driving a car and being out here, and he's going to want to play wheelchair sports, and it's just really amazing. He still has a sense of humor. He still gives his parents a hard time."

JT said seeing all of the community support for him left him nearly speechless.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "The support we've received from my family and my friends, the entire community, it just goes to show you what a great place this is to live here in Batavia."

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the 15 projects she selected to submit to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Community Project Funding (CPF) process.

These projects will benefit New York’s 24th District by improving water infrastructure, creating essential public facilities, supporting public safety, and promoting community revitalization.

The CPF process allows localities and non-profits to submit federal funding requests for high-priority community projects with strong local support in New York’s 24th Congressional District. Each application was subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure that it is a sound use of taxpayer dollars and that applicants have a clear and accountable plan to spend funds on targeted projects within a year.  

A list of Tenney’s submitted FY25 CPF Requests can be found here, or below:

• $4,528,000 for the Town of Phelps Sanitary Sewer Distribution Project
• $2,500,000 for the Cayuga County Lake Protection Plan Project
• $3,000,000 for the Village of Geneseo Water and Sewer Upgrades Project
• $3,500,000 for the Village of Waterloo Rock Storm Sewer Replacement Project
• $3,000,000 for the Town of Newfane Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Project
• $1,500,000 for the Village of Mexico’s Water System Improvements Project
• $10,000,000 for the Genesee County Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure Project
• $2,250,000 for the Town of Torrey Water District #2 Project
• $2,000,000 for the Orleans County Public Safety Building Project
• $1,000,000 for the City of Oswego New Police Station Project
• $800,000 for the Town of Macedon Ambulance Relocation Project
• $5,000,000 for the Town of Lyons Revival and Community Empowerment Project
• $3,600,000 for Phase III of the City of Lockport’s Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks Rehabilitation Project
• $3,000,000 for the Wyoming County Silver Lake Dredging Project
• $4,050,000 for Jefferson County Installation of Runway 10 Omni-Directional Approach Lights at Watertown International Airport Project

"One of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure our community has the resources it needs to thrive, and the Community Project Funding program is a fantastic way to overcome bureaucratic red tape and return our hard-earned tax dollars to NY-24," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The Community Project Funding program allows our local communities to advocate for the best way to spend taxpayer dollars instead of relying on bureaucrats in Washington. These projects will benefit New York's 24th District by supporting water infrastructure programs, improving community safety, and creating essential public facilities that promote community revitalization. I am dedicated to fighting for these projects in the Appropriations process and will continue to be a tenacious advocate for our District in Congress."

Community leaders who worked with Congresswoman Tenney’s office on submitting funding proposals expressed their support for the projects below:

“On behalf of the Cayuga County Water & Sewer Authority, I want to extend my grateful appreciation to our Representative Congresswoman, Claudia Tenney for including the “Cayuga Lake Protection Project” in this year’s Community Project Funding, (CPF) grant selection process. And we do hereby commit to working with Congresswoman Tenney, as this project advances through these Appropriations Committee, to successfully Appropriate this Request for the Construction of the Cayuga Lake Protection Project. As this project will not only safeguard New York's Drinking Water Resources, it will also greatly aid in the Efficient removal of substandard private sewer treatment systems. Once more it will protect and safeguard the New York State Finger Lakes for Generations to come, for Clean Drinking Water Resources, Recreation, Boating, Fishing, Etc. It is anticipated that the Cayuga Lake Protection Project (CLLP) Sewer will Extend along the East Shore of Cayuga Lake from the Village of Aurora, NY, South to the Tompkins County line, serving an Estimated 450 homes. We thank Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for her Service to Cayuga County, and her consideration of this most significant project for these Estimated 450 homes on the Easterly Shores of Beautiful Cayuga Lake,” said Cayuga County Water & Sewer Authority Chairman Brian Dahl.

“Genesee County’s top priority is securing reliable and sustainable water through new water infrastructure. Given the magnitude of the need, we cannot do this alone, and we are grateful for the Congresswoman’s continued support to secure federal resources to meet this dire need,” said Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein.

“On behalf of the residents of the Town of Phelps, I would like to say “Thank You” to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for her support of our wastewater infrastructure project on Route 14. We are very thankful for Congresswoman Tenney moving our request to the Appropriations Committee for review and consideration. The sewer line project will work to enhance the viability of development in our town and will allow us to have intermunicipal agreements with the Town and City of Geneva. Federal funds for this project are essential for the timely construction of this project in an area which will service thousands of visitors to the Finger Lakes area. I would like to extend appreciation for all ofthe hard work and especially taking the time to listen to the needs of the people to Representative Claudia Tenney, New York District 24,” said Phelps Town Supervisor Bill Wellman.

“The Orleans County Public Safety Building is a vitally important epicenter for several functions of our government, housing the Sheriff, 911 Dispatch Center, District Attorney and Probation, so we are very appreciative to Congresswomen Tenny for making our project to upgrade this facility one the priority initiatives to be sent to the House Appropriations Committee. Our DPW team has worked closely with Sheriff Bourke and DA Cardone to design a project that addresses critical structural issues with the facility in the most cost-effective manner possible while also helping improve the overall functionality of the building. This is not just a building project, it is an investment in our community’s safety and security,” ​​said Orleans Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson.

“The Town of Torrey and the residents of the Perry Point Water District are very happy to be included in the tremendous work Congresswoman Tenney is doing for our region. This grant would provide the residents with clean and safe drinking water as well as protect the pristine waters of Seneca Lake,” said Supervisor of the Town of Torrey Peter Martini.

“The people of the Village of Geneseo are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for selecting our vital infrastructure project as part of her 2025 Community Project funding grants for consideration by the Appropriations Committee. These funds will enable us to replace 125 year old water mains and eliminate flooding damage from the combined sewer system and stormwater overflows,” said Village of Geneseo Mayor Chris Ivers.

“On behalf of the residents of Wyoming County, especially those living around Silver Lake, and the Board of Supervisors, I extend our sincere appreciation for Congresswoman Tenney’s selection of the Silver Lake dredging project to submit to the House Appropriations Committee. Congresswoman Tenney understands and shares the values we hold as part of our proud agricultural heritage. An integral part of the environmental stewardship we are tasked with is to fulfill our mission of a healthier and more resilient Silver Lake. It is not only an essential component of our county’s robust tourism industry, but is also a prime drinking water source for multiple communities spanning Wyoming and Livingston counties. This important funding will help to preserve sensitive habitats, protect water quality, and enhance public waterway access. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Tenney for her unwavering support in this project and for Wyoming County,” said Wyoming County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Becky Ryan.

"We are grateful for the Congresswoman's support. This project will provide improved visibility for pilots during poor visibility conditions in order to maximize operations during low visibility and cloud conditions when winds require use of the runway 10," said Director of Aviation of Watertown International Airport Grant W. Sussey.

“The Historic Flight of Five Locks, located in the heart of the city of Lockport, NY is the largest remaining intact section of the historic Erie Canal, and this funding will help further revitalize a true 19th century engineering marvel. The rehabilitation of the Flight of Five Locks is anticipated to significantly increase the number of visitors and the amount of tourist spending in the city of Lockport and greater Niagara County, making this project an economic development driver for the entire Western New York region,” said City of Lockport Mayor John Lombardi.

“The City of Lockport has maintained a steadfast approach for many years to capitalize on its unique heritage assets, most notably, the Historic Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks. The Flight of Five is a site that has positioned itself to become the premier destination for visitors and residents looking to learn more about our historic Erie Canal,” said Senator Ortt. “Thank you to Congresswoman Tenney for submitting the Lock 67 & 68 restoration project to the House Appropriations Committee and securing funding to bring this important piece of history back to life. These efforts will continue to make the Erie Canal and the City of Lockport an economic driver for all of Western New York,” said NYS Senator Robert G. Ortt, 62nd Senate District.

"Congresswoman Tenney’s extraordinary commitment for the preservation of the Flight of Five Locks is truly a significant milestone in the continued and long-term capital objective in fully restoring this historic treasure. I applaud Congresswoman Tenney for listening and working closely with state and local officials to make this a top priority for our region and have found this to be one of the finest collaborations of officials working together during my time in public service. The Erie Canal and the Flight of Five has been the epicenter of Lockport’s rich history, economic development and tourism opportunities and Congresswoman Tenney’s fierce advocacy and strong support at the federal level is a very important step in ensuring this mission continues in Lockport for generations to come,” said NYS Assemblyman Michael J. Norris, 144th District.

"We are very thankful that Congresswoman Tenny has identified the Flight of Five locks as one of her priority projects for funding, continuing to build upon the previous investments that have been made in the project," said Niagara County Legislator Rick Abbott. "This project is about restoring an important piece of our history to help drive future economic growth and build upon Lockport's reputation as a center for heritage tourism,” said Niagara County Legislator Richard E. Abbott, 13th District.

“On behalf of the Town of Newfane, I want to say “Thank You” to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for supporting the critical improvements to the Town of Newfane’s wastewater treatment plant. This project is all about ensuring the health of Newfane residents and the Lake Ontario watershed. The Town of Newfane works hard to build on the extensive amount of sport fishing and water-based business in the community; these improvements to the wastewater treatment plant will solidify those plans. With the help from Congresswoman Tenney we will be able to lift the financial burden off of our residents and guarantee a healthy community,” said Newfane Town Supervisor John Syracuse.