I rise today to talk about some of the recent investments the Recovery Act has made in my home district in Upstate New York. A few weeks ago, Energy Secretary Steven Chu came to Syracuse to tour some of our innovative renewable energy research facilities. While he was in town, we announced that more than $1.4 million in funding for energy efficiency programs in Syracuse. The doors, windows and heating/cooling system at City Hall will be switched to high efficiency, energy saving models. This is a great investment because not only does it lower carbon emissions, it will reduce energy bills that the Syracuse tax payers have to foot.
This weekend I announced energy efficiency funding for the town of Irondequoit. Irondequoit already had an impressive energy plan in place, so they will make the most of their $440,000 grant. Irondequoit will pursue projects like replacing light bulbs at public parks and creating a Deputy Commissioner of Public Works for Sustainability. The Recovery Act is providing grants that are smart short and long-term investments, and is giving communities in my district the flexibility to make the improvements and create jobs that best fit our needs.
