Rep. Ritchie Torres Secures Over $18 Million in FY26 Community Project Funding for the Bronx

Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) announced that $18.624 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding has been secured for critical projects across New York’s 15th Congressional District. The funding will support investments in public safety, housing infrastructure, education, environmental protection, youth development, digital access, and community health.

The FY26 Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Torres includes:

• $750,000 for the New York Botanical Garden to support climate research, urban ecology initiatives, and public education addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental justice.
• $833,000 for the Hudson Oyster Project to construct a large-scale oyster reef in the Hudson River, restoring marine habitat, improving water quality, and expanding STEM learning opportunities for students.
• $350,000 for NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln Hospital to support a hospital-based youth violence prevention program providing trauma-informed counseling, mentorship, and leadership development.
• $500,000 for the Police Athletic League to engage Bronx youth in year-round programming focused on crime prevention, academic enrichment, mental health support, and positive police community relationships.
• $1,031,000 for the NYPD to install ARGUS cameras in high-priority areas to enhance public safety, deter crime, and support criminal investigations.
• $2,000,000 for a Housing Preservation and Development-led initiative to expand broadband connectivity for low-income residents and help close the digital divide.
• $5,000,000 for the Patterson Houses Building Line Initiative to address plumbing failures, water intrusion, and mold remediation through large-scale capital upgrades.
• $3,150,000 for Concourse Village to replace aging domestic water and waste pipes, preventing flooding and protecting affordable housing for thousands of residents.
• $850,000 to replace outdated fire alarm systems at Gun Hill Houses and bring buildings into compliance with current fire safety standards.
• $850,000 to modernize fire detection systems at Parkside Houses and enhance resident safety.
• $700,000 to renovate the Hostos Community College library, a central academic and community space serving more than 6,000 students.
• $660,000 to purchase new transportation vans for senior centers, enabling older adults to attend medical appointments, access services, and participate in community activities.
• $500,000 to renovate restroom facilities at Drew Playground, improving public health, accessibility, and usability of a heavily used neighborhood park.
• $1,200,000 for Shoelace Park resiliency upgrades to relocate playgrounds and facilities out of flood-prone areas and reduce health hazards after storms.
• $250,000 to equip a hydroponic science lab at Leaders of Tomorrow Middle School, expanding hands-on STEM education opportunities.

“These investments seek to address many of the priorities I hear directly from my constituents in the Bronx,” said Rep. Torres. “Community Project Funding allows us to direct federal resources toward urgent local needs, from safe housing and violence prevention to climate resilience, education, and access to technology. This funding will deliver tangible improvements to quality of life across our communities, and I am so proud to have worked to bring these dollars home to the Bronx.”