During the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, City Manager Katie Ambrose provided an update on the city’s efforts to secure federal funding for key projects.

According to Ambrose, City staff and Mayor Callaghan have actively engaged with state and federal representatives to explore funding opportunities for various city projects. As a result, Congressman Chris Pappas has submitted a $4 million Community Project Funding Request to the House Appropriations Committee for the City’s wastewater lagoon desludge project. Additionally, Senator Jeanne Shaheen submitted $3.2 million in congressionally directed spending for the same project, however, it was not ultimately included by the Senate.

While the appropriations bill is still pending approval by the Senate and the House, there is optimism that the funding for Rochester will be included in the final FY25 bill. If secured, this funding will significantly support the financial stability of Rochester’s Sewer Fund, especially as the city undertakes costly upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility.

In addition to the wastewater project, Senator Shaheen included $70,000 for the Rochester Police Department’s Virtual Reality Training Project.

Ambrose expressed appreciation for the efforts of Senator Shaheen and Congressman Pappas in supporting these important projects and commended City staff for pursuing these funding opportunities.