Buffalo Ledger

Funding, Secured by Higgins in the Budget, Will Support Facility Upgrades

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) was joined by Grand Island Supervisor John Whitney to announce $850,000 in federal funding for the town’s Gold Age Center. The grant, secured by Higgins in the 2023 federal budget, will allow for lasting facility improvements to the busy senior center. 

“This funding will provide a comfortable, safe, and healthy environment for all seniors, staff, and community members visiting the Golden Age Center,” said Congressman Higgins. “We are pleased to work with Supervisor Whitney to deliver a generational improvement to the Town of Grand Island’s building infrastructure.”

Built in 1954, the Town of Grand Island Golden Age Center on Whitehaven Road is in need of a new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Installation in the nearly 70-year-old building will require professional asbestos abatement.

The funding secured by Higgins, builds on $61,000 in federal Community Block Grant Funding previously designated to Grand Island through the Erie County Community Development Consortium, to make the project, estimated to cost $910,000, possible.

The Grand Island population as a whole grew 15% since the last U.S. Census to nearly 21,290 people.  More than 25% of Grand Island residents are over age 60, a number that is expected to grow as the population ages.

The Golden Age Center serves Grand Island residents age 50 and older. The center operates a number of services and special events including nutrition, transportation, social activities, education, and fitness programs. 

In 2021, $189,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding supported by Higgins and distributed through the Erie County Community Development Consortium, supported elevator installation and related American Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to Grand Island Town Hall.

Original source can be found here.