Mount Vernon Grants Top $2 Million from NY Economic Development Council

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The city of Mount Vernon received more than $2 million in three state grants for projects including sewer repair and recreational and cultural improvements.

The money is part of a new round of funding awarded through New York's Regional Economic Development Council initiative, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday.

“New York State has joined the team to move Mount Vernon forward," Mayor Richard Thomas said. "We are so thankful to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Regional Economic Development Council for listening to us and recognizing how important it is for Mount Vernon to restore Memorial Field, repair our sewers and keep our reputation as the birthplace of arts, music, and culture."

The biggest project is for infrastructure. REDC officials described the $1,641,928 project:

The City of Mount Vernon will conduct a
storm drain pathogen trackdown program.
Storm sewers will be analyzed, leaking pipe
segments will be located and necessary
rehabilitation of the sewers will be
prioritized. In addition, the entire sanitary
sewer collection system will be televised.
The project will reduce stormwater flows.

“Commissioner Ralph Uzzi has brought in millions for the city, plowed record amounts of snow, and got the tennis bubble up at Memorial Field under tremendous constraints. His work ethic and skill-set are unmatched and I am so grateful to him and the entire Department of Public Works. Mount Vernon’s ‘muscle’ was recognized today," Thomas said.

The city also received a $520,000 grant for a sports complex at Memorial Field.

The City of mount Vernon will undertake
the restoration of the historic Memorial
Field into the premier sports and
entertainment venue in the Hudson Valley
with a multi-sport field, tennis courts, a
fitness center and bleachers.

Finally, $40,000 will go to planning work for arts and culture.

The City of Mount Vernon will create an
Arts and Cultural Master Plan to emphasize
the arts and cultural amenities within the
City while bringing a culturally diverse
community together and increase the “artist
style” living and economic revitalization of
the Southern Westchester County region.

“Commissioner Shawyn Patterson Howard is a dynamic change agent and her love for the people of Mount Vernon shines in everything she does," Thomas said. "We are thankful to her and our small but mighty team in the Department of Planning and Community Development for putting in the extra hours and dedication to bring back Memorial Field and give arts and culture room to grow and thrive.”

Thomas thanked Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Senator Jeff Klein, former Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson and Senator-elect Jamaal Bailey for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the city.

“Through the Regional Economic Development Councils, we have replaced the ‘one-size fits all’ approach to economic growth with a ‘ground-up’ strategy that focuses on cooperation and investing in regional assets to generate opportunity,” Cuomo said in his announcement. “By bringing together ideas from local government and community leaders with state resources, we are giving these councils the tools to create jobs and drive economic activity in their communities for generations to come. I congratulate the Regional Councils on their awards, and look forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger New York for all.”

Image via Mayor Richard Thomas