Congressman Brian Higgins
As we welcome one representative in Congress, we say goodbye to another. Congressman Brian Higgins – the Democrat from South Buffalo who’s represented Chautauqua County since winning election in 2004 – took time out Thursday to thank the residents of the County for the opportunity to represent them in Congress.
Higgins said that it is difficult to express in words the fondness he has for Chautauqua County and how he will miss representing the good people in the 27 towns, 15 villages and 2 cities that stretch across that region.
Higgins also pledged to continue to work with Chautauqua County’s new representative, Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning), on matters critical to the region.
Congressman Higgins also outlined the accomplishments he helped to deliver to Chautauqua County during his eight years of serving the region:
- Tourism/Economic Development:
– Nearly $300,000 toward construction of the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator
– $500,000 to restore and improve Bemus-Stow Ferry landings
– Significant federal support toward the recently opened $8.5 million project transforming the historic Erie Lackawanna Train Depot in Jamestown
- Outreach/Community Development:
– More than 840 Congress on Your Corner events in Chautauqua County alone including specialized events for local veterans and small businesses
– Over $310,000 toward rehabilitation of the Sinclairville Senior Center for improvements to the kitchen which facilitates Meals on Wheels and changes to make the facility handicap accessible
- Transportation/Infrastructure:
– $17 million federal investment in reconstruction of the Washington Street Bridge in Jamestown
– Over $10.5 million toward improvements to the Dunkirk and Jamestown Airports
- Public Safety:
– Over $1.8 million for Construction of & Improvements to Children’s Safety Village
– Over $4 million in federal fire grants to fire departments in Chautauqua County including funding toward the purchase of a new truck at the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department
- Health:
– Close to $400,000 to provide state-of-the-art equipment and training for nursing students attending Jamestown Community College
– More than $26 million to various WNY partners, including Chautauqua County Health Network, working to expand and improve electronic medical records at local doctors’ offices and hospitals
– Federal grant to provide a new “S-miles to Go” van, which serves the dental needs of elementary school children in Chautauqua County.
Leave a Reply