Brewster, N.Y. – (7/07/12) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C-Patterson), has successfully secured a $50,000 capital grant, which will provide much needed renovations for the Peekskill American Legion Post #0274.
This news follows an April veto of an $18,000 grant for the Peekskill American Legion. The $18,000 originally came from grants that were re-appropriated and approved in earlier budgets.
Senator Ball made a pledge to the Peekskill American Legion that he would not only work tirelessly to restore the $18,000 but that he would fight to secure any available additional funds.
Today, Senator Ball is happy to announce, that as a result of a three-way agreement, capital funds are now available for a $50,000 capital grant for the Peekskill American Legion.
“The Peekskill American Legion is the only active Veterans organization in the City of Peekskill and I could not stand by and watch them loose their historic headquarters. This grant will generate construction and create local jobs and it is critically important that our heroes, both past and present, are honored and appreciated. This organization desperately needs these dollars to stabilize their failing infrastructure. This is going to create local jobs and I am happy to announce that we have secured $50,000 for the Peekskill American Legion and we will be announcing many other critical grants for other local organizations.”
The post has been in existence for close to a hundred years, and the building’s stone foundation are in dire need of repair. In addition, post leaders said there is wood damage on the main floor.
“Out of the nine elected officials I contacted to help rebuild the legion only one came through. Senator Ball told me, he was here to help. The $18,000 that we originally thought was secured was unfortunately vetoed, we were very badly hurt by this,” said Jerry O'Shaughnessy, the post’s treasurer and secretary. “The Senator called me personally many time to make sure we wouldn’t lose the building. Sure enough, Senator Ball followed through on his promises. I have to say thank you to this man. He has done so much for us.”
“Congratulations to the veterans and to Senator Greg Ball for securing this funding. Senator ball has been and friend and advocate for the veterans in our region,” said County Legislator John Testa (and former Mayor of Peekskill). “I am glad to see that a significant amount of money has come for our veterans. I support the effort, and look forward to working more with Senator Ball and our veterans.”
