Rose Announces Nearly $30 Million for RUMC to Make Critical Resiliency Upgrades

Press Release

Following continued advocacy by Congressman Max Rose, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) has been awarded nearly $30 million in federal funding to make critical upgrades to mitigate flooding during future storms and weather disasters. This grant brings the total federal funding for the project to $44 million, allowing RUMC--which is the only hospital on Staten Island not in a flood zone--to reduce chances of weather-related damage and ensure continuity of service for this critical care facility.

"We've fought non-stop to ensure RUMC secured this necessary funding to protect itself during flooding and extreme weather emergencies," said Rose, who had multiple meetings with senior FEMA leadership advocating on RUMC's behalf. "We saw during Hurricane Sandy, and we're seeing yet again during the coronavirus that when disaster strikes, RUMC has been there for Staten Island. This funding will make sure their lifesaving work will continue unabated no matter rain or storm."

After Hurricane Sandy, RUMC requested support from FEMA to make critical resilience upgrades. In 2016, RUMC was awarded $14,503,818 for the project, which would not have covered the full cost. Following continued advocacy and appeal, RUMC was awarded an additional $29,810,707, bringing the total federal funding for the project to $44,314,525. This funding will enable RUMC to replace all existing windows to properly protect the hospital from future storms and weather emergencies.

"As the only hospital on Staten island not in a flood zone, the importance of ensuring the safety and stability of our building, especially during severe weather occurrences, cannot be overstated," RUMC president and chief executive officer, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said. "The need for critical care does not stop during a hurricane or large scale emergency, in fact, they are proven to increase. Thanks to FEMA and Congressman Max Rose who has been a strong advocate for us throughout the proposal process, our communities can rest assured that even in a hurricane, our hospital will be a safe environment where they can receive the highest quality health care for whatever their need."

Rose has been a strong supporter for RUMC and all Staten Island hospitals. Last month, Rose helped RUMC secure critical Abbott COVID-19 testing machines and supplies. In March, Rose and Oddo secured emergency medical tents for RUMC to help it expand COVID-19 treatment capacity. Earlier this year, Rose was joined by fellow community and hospital leaders, including RUMC's leadership, urging against devastating cuts to healthcare funding will have on patients and providers.

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