Schumer: Unlock Funds For Utica Harbor Point Project

Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the Federal Highway Administration and the State Department of Transportation to unlock nearly two-million dollars in federal funds for the Utica Harbor Point Project.

Schumer says Utica was awarded $2.1 million in 2005 for a project on Water Street, but only 180-thousand dollars was spent and the rest remained unused.

Until now, federal law rules blocked the reuse of funds even if the project was no longer needed.  However, a newly enacted law gives the FHA and DOT the authority to repurpose any unspent money for newer projects nearby.

Schumer says the $1.9 million would be a boost for Utica's Harbor.