Amherst groups to share $1.4 million in federal funds

Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds' request to fund Amherst groups was recently approved by the House and Senate.

The Amherst Republican requested $1,426,480 in federal investments for improving health care, first responders' equipment, alternative energy, research foundations and infrastructure projects in Amherst.

The funding was secured through the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which recently passed the House and Senate and now needs to be signed into law by the president.

"By providing funding that makes critical investments in Amherst's future, we are making positive steps in helping improve our economy and creating an atmosphere for job growth," Reynolds said.

People Inc. would receive $383,187, to help establish an electronic health records system. The system will improve customer service, healthcare delivery and ultimately, lead to lower costs for People Inc.'s more than 12,000 clients.

Summit Educational Resources is marked to receive $191,593 to help effectively monitor and prepare children with autism and other developmental disabilities to more easily integrate into their local public schools. The center estimates that with early therapy, local school districts can save an estimated $1 million per child during the child's life span.

Amherst Police Department would be granted $164,500 to purchase critical new equipment to enhance its first-responder capabilities, which includes laptop computers for cars and headquarters, video processing equipment, pay for police overtime and new community policing initiatives.

Daemen College would receive $295,200 for its Alternative Energy - Geo-Thermal Technology Demonstration Program, which is a model for energy and environmental efficiency in the heating and cooling of older, highly inefficient buildings on college and university campuses in the Buffalo Niagara region. The funding would allow Daemen to transform the heating and cooling systems of old and inefficient buildings.

The Amherst Youth Foundation is marked to receive $147,000 to continue the reconstruction of the former Hutchinson Hose Fire Hall, renamed the Independent Health Family Center. Funding will be used to convert the fire hall's truck bay into the gymnasium and activity room.

Eastern Hills Corridor would receive $245,000 to assist in the construction of the Eastern Hills Corridor by improving access and reducing traffic congestion to business in and around the Eastern Hills Mall.