Gillibrand Secured Federal $$$ For Infrastructure Upgrades, Educational Programs, Improvements To Public Spaces, Health Care Facilities, and More
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $18,163,000 in federal funding for critical projects in Manhattan in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding package that was signed into law yesterday. Gillibrand personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending items.
“This year’s funding will help support a significant number of projects in Manhattan, from broadband expansions in high-need communities to critical upgrades to public spaces and affordable housing facilities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With tens of millions of dollars going directly to organizations across the five boroughs, I am proud to be delivering this much-needed federal funding to improve the lives of New Yorkers and to keep New York City flourishing.”
A full list of funded projects in Manhattan is below:
$5 million for the New York Stem Cell Foundation for Precision Medicine Center
This funding will be used for the construction of a new 24,000-square foot state-of-the-art Precision Medicine Center, focused on finding new drug therapies and developing cell replacement therapies for a diverse array of diseases.
$3 million for the New York Public Library (NYPL) to help expand the Center for Educators and Schools Initiative
This funding will support NYPL’s ongoing project to construct a new K-12 education center at the Library’s landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. The project will facilitate the long-needed expansion of NYPL’s Center for Educators and Schools initiative, which facilitates collaborations between local schools and libraries, integrates public library resources into NYC public schools, develops curricular guides to assist educators in teaching with primary source materials from NYPL research collections, and facilitates K–12 class visits to guide student exploration of collection items included in exhibitions throughout the building.
$2 million for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Initiative to Provide Internet Services for Low-Income New Yorkers
This funding will support the Neighborhood Internet Initiative, a partnership between the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York Public Library to build a broadband network that provides free internet to low-income households, including those that receive Section 8 rental assistance.
$1,663,000 for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to Upgrade Plumbing at Douglass I & II Houses
This funding will support critical renovations at NYCHA’s Douglas I & II Houses as part of the NYCHA Building Line Initiative (BLI), which includes comprehensive plumbing and renovation projects that aim to address mold and leaks.
$1 million for the New York Historical Society for Expanded Classroom and Studio Spaces
This funding will contribute toward a 70,000-square foot, four-story expansion and renovation of current facilities to add classrooms, a state-of-the-art conservation studio, and new galleries. These capital improvements and expanded programming will support the New York Historical Society in the scholarly advancement of U.S. history.
$1 million for the Uptown Grand Central Corporation’s 125th Street Community Plaza
This funding will be used for lighting, noise control, and design improvements under the Park Avenue Viaduct at 125th Street to transform the 125th Street Community Plaza into a safe, quality public space and support economic and cultural development in East Harlem.
$1 million for the Carnegie Hall Corporation’s Music Wellness Demonstration Project
This funding will support a music wellness demonstration project to implement, adapt and evaluate a suite of promising programs to improve the healthy development and well-being of children and families, particularly those from underserved and diverse communities in New York City and New York State. The treatment proposed—including free or heavily subsidized and accessible music-based wellness experiences reaching 35,000 New Yorkers—is a proven means to improve well-being, and the research proposed will further understanding of its impacts in facilitating the healthy development of vulnerable and high-needs children and families.
$1 Million for the Roundabout Theatre Company for Accessibility Upgrades
This funding will be used to substantially renovate Studio 54 to expand accessibility to elderly and/or physically disabled artists, workers, and patrons.
$900,000 for the Hispanic Federation’s CREAR Futuros Bilingual Mentoring Program
Funding will support the Hispanic Federation’s CREAR Futuros bilingual mentoring and training program for at-risk students across public high schools and universities in New York City, while expanding services to two CUNY campuses and one SUNY campus.
$850,000 for Central Park Footpath Restoration
This project will support the renovation of Central Park’s paved footpaths, which extend over 50 miles and are in dire need of resurfacing and accessibility upgrades. Restoration of these paths will improve both accessibility and safety for visitors, especially for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and help keep the park in a state of good repair.
$500,000 to the Asian American Federation for Small Business Support Programming
This funding will support the delivery of multilingual digital marketing and capacity-building services to help small business owners establish an online presence and increase their knowledge of business compliance rules and regulations, as well as the resources available to support them.
$250,000 for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to Upgrade the Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project will deliver essential upgrades to one of New York City’s most unique and iconic public transportation systems, including enhancements to both the Manhattan and Roosevelt Island stations, upgrades to the cabins, and improvements to system controls and structural elements. These upgrades will help reduce the risk of accidents, improve communication and operational efficiency, and better accommodate passengers with disabilities.
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