CATSKILL, 8/6/08 -- In Catskill today State Senator James L. Seward (R-C-I/Oneonta) announced $250,000 in capital funding for renovations to the Catskill Community Center. The funding will pay for critical structural repairs at the center, which provides free structured educational, athletic, artistic and recreational activities to the youth and families of the Town of Catskill and surrounding areas. Renovations include replacement of heating and cooling equipment, exterior drainage, roof repairs, new restrooms, and other key facility upgrades. The funding is from the state’s capital program for economic assistance."It’s a targeted, smart investment in an important community program that serves all of Catskill ," Seward said. "We’re helping an important local resource that enhances the quality of life for Catskill residents."The center targets lower-income underserved populations, but its 1,000+ participants represent the full ethnic and socio-economic spectrum. Programs include after-school tutorial events, dance, painting, tennis, basketball, club soccer, theatre, community outreach and others. The center also adminsters a host of activities formerly provided by the Town of Catskill Recreational Committee, including summer recreation programs.
The funding will pay for critical structural repairs at the center, which provides free structured educational, athletic, artistic and recreational activities to the youth and families of the Town of Catskill and surrounding areas. Renovations include replacement of heating and cooling equipment, exterior drainage, roof repairs, new restrooms, and other key facility upgrades. The funding is from the state’s capital program for economic assistance.
"It’s a targeted, smart investment in an important community program that serves all of Catskill ," Seward said. "We’re helping an important local resource that enhances the quality of life for Catskill residents."
The center targets lower-income underserved populations, but its 1,000+ participants represent the full ethnic and socio-economic spectrum. Programs include after-school tutorial events, dance, painting, tennis, basketball, club soccer, theatre, community outreach and others. The center also adminsters a host of activities formerly provided by the Town of Catskill Recreational Committee, including summer recreation programs.
Catskill Community Center Board of Directors President Richard Ahlberg said "We're tremendously grateful to Senator Seward for securing this critically needed funding. Just two years ago, the Community Center was forced to close its doors. Now, after establishing a new board of directors, and with the generous support of local residents, businesses and especially the Town and Village of Catskill, we are providing a variety of programs to more than 1,000 local youth and families. Senator Seward's grant will help ensure that we are able to make the building and infrastructure improvements necessary to continue our mission in an efficient, up to date and comfortable facility for many years into the future."
The town and village of Catskill have come forward to provide $100,000 in operational support for the center.
Seward also announced the following senate initiatives:
*Cairo Fire District - $15,000 for OSHA required air packs;
*Community Hospice - $10,000;
*Heart of Catskill Association - $10,000
*Village of Catskill Police Department - $23,000 for records management improvements and communications upgrades.
"These are locally identified community needs that will help local governments provide services within a budget," Seward said. "I am glad the senate could assist."
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