BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie Counties Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan will be receiving $20 million in federal funding to support emergency response and extreme weather hubs to bring emergency preparedness resources to Buffalo neighborhoods and lower energy costs.
The announcement was made Wednesday by US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-NY26) and PUSH Buffalo.
The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act and will be used to help neighborhoods prepare for weather emergencies with backup generators, snow removal equipment, portable solar kits, batteries, etc.
“I’m championed the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, because we need to invest in communities like Buffalo to give them both the resources and the skills to combat climate change locally – not to mention new tools to hold down energy costs. I am proud to deliver this major up to $20 million federal investment to make neighborhoods across Buffalo more resilient, keep people prepared in emergencies like snowstorms, flooding and heatwaves, and give people the tools to enter clean-energy careers,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a win-win: making Buffalo neighborhoods stronger in the face of emergencies and boosting workforce training for good paying clean-energy jobs. This will help build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for Western NY.”
“No one should be without access to critical support services during an emergency,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding, which will help make sure that residents of Buffalo have access to the resources they need during climate-related crises. I’m committed to building on this initiative, and I will continue working to guarantee that communities across New York have the services they need to combat the growing number of climate-related emergencies striking our state.”
In addition, PUSH Buffalo, CoNECT and other local environmental groups will work to train the local workforce in solar install and energy efficient upgrades to help fight climate change. The funding will help create more than 100 Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs.
“In times of crisis, many communities in Buffalo face acute challenges that require big ideas and teamwork,” said Congressman Kennedy. “PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT have demonstrated their ability to meet the needs of vulnerable neighborhoods by providing resources and support. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this $20 million grant will empower this coalition to create 150 Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs, which will include emergency equipment to ensure communities are prepared for storms and other emergencies. This program will also invest in workforce training that will give people the tools required to increase community resilience, secure good-paying jobs, and strengthen our economy. This is an important step in making communities in Buffalo more equitably prepared for emergencies—improving and saving lives.”
“The Community Change Grant represents a turning point for climate resilience and environmental justice for frontline communities in the City of Buffalo. We celebrate President Biden’s investment in self-determined solutions and grassroots leadership right here in our own neighborhoods, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to climate justice. We will use this three-year award to develop and implement neighborhood-focused solutions and strategies that live into the People’s Climate Law (New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA, passed in 2019). These programs and services will directly address the unique needs of each neighborhood, and be implemented in collaborative, collective action,” said Dawn Wells-Clyburn, Executive Director of PUSH Buffalo.
“We are excited to launch this vital project to support community-led efforts in collaboration with government partners as we work towards health equity and environmental resiliency in Buffalo,” said Jessica Bauer Walker, Executive Director of CoNECT.
