U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer recently called on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to unlock $2 million in previously secured federal transportation funding for the Town of North Hempstead, by repurposing an old unused earmark. In 2005, the Town of North Hempstead was awarded a $2 million earmark for a repaving project on Grand Boulevard, however, the project is no longer necessary, and so, the money was never spent. Until now, federal rules blocked the reuse of funds, even if the project was no longer needed. However, a newly enacted Schumer-backed law now gives FHWA and NYSDOT the authority to repurpose any unspent money to newer projects nearby that are needed. Schumer will say North Hempstead is a perfect fit to benefit from the new law. He will detail several eligible and critically needed projects in the Town that could benefit from this funding. Schumer will warn, without action, the funding could either continue to be locked away in federal coffers or be diverted elsewhere. Schumer will urge FHWA and NYSDOT to allow the Town of North Hempstead to use these funds on four specific transportation and revitalization projects. The Senator will detail exactly why those specific projects are so critical for locals.
