FY27 Community Project Funding Requests

Last month, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), submitted 12 funding requests for important community projects in New York’s 14th Congressional District to the House Appropriations Committee for fiscal year 2027.

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request up to 20 projects in their community to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Funding is restricted to a limited number of project categories, and only public and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the guidelines governing Community Project Funding can be found here.

The twelve selected projects are outlined below, along with an explanation of the Office’s selection process and criteria.

Outreach: To inform our funding requests, our office shared the opportunity with eligible entities and scheduled conversations with potential applicants to discuss possible projects and field questions.

Evaluation process: After our submission deadline, our office screened applications according to 1) community need 2) service to NY-14, and 3) eligibility according to committee guidance. We then had a short list of applications that team members scored against the following criteria: service to historically underserved communities, project justification, project feasibility, project sustainability, and alignment with the office's priorities. Project justification criteria included rationale, the significance of the proposed work, and whether it addresses the community's specific need(s). Multiple considerations went into determining feasibility criteria, such as an organization’s ability to manage federal funding, project detail and scope. Sustainability considerations included whether the project or its impact can be sustained locally beyond the funds period, if results warrant.

With input from the Congresswoman and subcommittee staff, we arrived at the twelve projects listed below.  

Compliance: 

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has certified that she, her partner, and her immediate family have no financial interest in any of the requested projects.

The following 12 projects were submitted:

  1. St. Mary’s Playground East Reconstruction

Mott Haven

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation requests $5,000,000 to reconstruct the children's play area, basketball and handball courts, and sidewalks at St. Mary’s Playground East in St. Mary's Park in the Bronx.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Fulton Fish Market Cooperative Waterborne Freight Initiative

Hunts Point

The New York City Department of Small Business Services requests $4,000,000 to develop a waterborne freight facility at its campus within the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the South Bronx. The project will enable seafood and food distribution shipments to move by water rather than truck, reducing congestion, improving air quality in one of New York City’s most freight-impacted communities.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Roof and Window Replacement for Battalion 49/Engine 312

Astoria

The Fire Department requests $3,500,000 for a roof and window replacement at Engine 312.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Sheridan Blvd Stormwater Infrastructure

Crotona Park East

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection requests $5,000,000 for stormwater management infrastructure along Sheridan Boulevard and within Starlight Park in the neighborhood of Crotona Park East in the Bronx. Stormwater runoff along Sheridan Boulevard in this area eventually discharges directly into the Bronx River, picking up pollutants from the impervious surfaces it runs across. Implementing stormwater management infrastructure practices such as engineered tree pits and/or bioretention systems along the boulevard and within Starlight Park will treat the stormwater before it discharges to the Bronx River.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Outdoor Learning & Community Space @ FLHFHS

Longwood

The New York City Department of Education requests $1,000,000 to construct an outdoor pavilion community space on unutilized school grounds for the purpose of outdoor learning, school performances, and community events.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Transforming Learning Spaces: Classroom to Performance Space Conversion Project

East Elmhurst

The New York City Department of Education requests $58,000 to transform a less than efficient activity room at the Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus into a state-of-the-art dance and performing arts instruction studio that will serve 300+ middle school students annually. This conversion will address adequate space in our arts education program, provide a safe and professional environment for dance and drama instruction, and enhance the overall educational experience for the school’s students.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Brook Ave / Pelham ADA Upgrades

Mott Haven

New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYSMTA) requests $1,000,000 to make the station ADA-accessible by installing elevators and other accessibility elements. Station work also includes modification of platforms, mezzanine areas, and stairs to provide accessible paths of travel to both platforms.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Astoria Houses Building Line Initiative

Astoria

The New York City Housing Authority requests $2,000,000 to bring its Building Line Initiative (BLI) to Astoria Houses. The BLI is a targeted, data-driven capital program that fully replaces aging plumbing systems in the highest-need building lines—addressing chronic leaks, condensation, and mold at their source while completing comprehensive bathroom and kitchen renovations.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Healthcare Pathways Construction and Equipment Purchases

Morris Park

The City of New York requests $2,000,000 for capital construction and equipment purchases for healthcare pathways education and training at the Bronx STEAM Center. Funding will specifically support the high-complexity buildout of healthcare simulation suites, dental labs, Emergency Medical Technician equipment, and diagnostic medicine equipment.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Community Substances Use Prevention Expansion

Throgs Neck

The Archdiocese of New York’s Drug Abuse Prevention Program (ADAPP) requests $70,128 for their Community Substances Use Prevention Expansion project. This funding will expand the capacity and reach of their proven community coalition model, working with local schools, youth organizations, businesses, and local law enforcement to prevent and reduce substance use among youth in the Bronx. Funds will specifically allow ADAPP to develop, produce, and disseminate youth-relevant educational materials and curricula and conduct anti-substance abuse training programs for youth, parents, and local businesses.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Recidivism Prevention and Re-Entry Services at Rikers Island

Rikers Island

The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development requests $900,000 in funding for targeted development and expansion of violence prevention, mentorship, and anti-recidivism programming at Rikers Island. These investments strengthen credible messenger-led interventions, expand culturally responsive services, and build the capacity of community partners to support rehabilitation and successful reentry. Together, these investments reduce violence and build long-term community safety.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.

 

  1. Expansion of Coordinated Approach to Prevent Stalking (CAPS) Initiative

Queens, NY

The Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence requests $1,050,000 to build on and enhance their Coordinated Approach to Preventing Stalking (CAPS) work by enabling them to deliver ongoing robust training to law enforcement partners citywide, facilitate cross-community and interagency coordination on this issue, raise public awareness through a robust educational programming, and develop a specialized and innovative survivor services program to better meet the unique needs of stalking survivors.

Member certification of no financial interest and federal nexus can be found here.