Reynolds' Reviews #1 and #2 - Livingston County and SUNY-Geneseo

Reynolds' Reviews #1 and #2 - Livingston County and SUNY-Geneseo

Federal Investments Working for You
Livingston County First Responders Demonstrate Rescue Equipment
Integrated Science Center and Facilities at SUNY-Geneseo Tour

Today, Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds (R-Clarence) launched "Reynolds' Reviews" showcasing the end results of federal investments for Western New York's fire departments, universities and colleges, non-profits, localities and companies. Reynolds first stop was in Livingston County where he first met with Livingston County first responders and firefighters who recently returned from training for new equipment obtained through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Reynolds also toured the new Integrated Science Center at the State University of New York - Geneseo campus.

"My first goal in helping our area is delivering vital federal investments that will help create jobs, keep our communities safe and make Western New York a great place to live, work and play," Reynolds said. "While the initial investment is important, showcasing the end result is equally important. Today's demonstration of life saving emergency equipment, and tour of one of our great learning institutions highlight the importance of federal investment in our area and how these investments continue to make Western New York's future great."

Reynolds Review Stop #1 - Livingston County First Responders:

Reynolds first stop was at the Livingston County Government Center where he welcomed home first responders who just returned from a one-day training session on the policies, procedures and techniques of recently acquired emergency equipment. The equipment was secured through the CEDAP program which provides smaller communities and rural areas with technology and equipment, together with training and technical assistance to help enhance first responder capabilities throughout the nation.

"Providing the resources, training and equipment for our first responders is incredibly important to ensure the safety and security of our communities," said Reynolds. "I am proud to support our local first responders through providing training workshops to learn the ins and outs of applying for these competitive grants. I am pleased to see so much investment returning to Western New York's brave first responders, firefighters and law enforcement agencies."

Reynolds highlighted the Livingston County EMS which received a radio inter-operability system worth $54,462. The system allows for the ability to communicate between any types of dissimilar communications systems, e.g. radios, telephones, computers and other forms of communications systems may be connected into "Talk Groups". The Cuylerville Volunteer Fire Department acquired a thermal imaging camera valued at $9,721. The camera allows firefighters to see thermal images in fires akin to night vision goggles used by the military and law enforcement officials. Lastly, Reynolds also received a demonstration of the AMKUS spreader, cutter and RAM tools from the York Volunteer Fire Department. The AMKUS tool is valued at $19,932.

"All of these tools are incredibly important to the life-saving capabilities of our first responders and firefighters," added Reynolds. "These tools coupled with the training and dedication of these individuals will mean more lives saved, more fires successfully fought and safer communities."

Reynolds Review Stop #2 - SUNY-Geneseo Integrated Science Center:

After receiving demonstrations from Livingston County first responders, Reynolds then turned his Reynolds' Review tour toward SUNY-Geneseo's new Integrated Science Center. The center was recently completed in the spring of 2006. Reynolds has helped secure $400,000 in federal investments for the university which is recognized by the national media as a "hidden gem."

"Western New York has an amazing choice of higher education institutions and among one of the finest in SUNY-Geneseo," stated Reynolds. "I am proud to have been able to deliver federal investments here to make improvements to the campus, support the building of the Integrated Science Center and continue the bright future of SUNY-Geneseo. I look forward to continue working with SUNY-Geneseo as they move forward to make their institution great for years to come."

Reynolds over the past two years has secured $400,000 in federal investments, with the potential for $300,000 more when Congress returns in the fall. The investments included:

* In 2003, Reynolds secured $150,000 for powerful computer clusters that can be installed for a fraction of the price of mainframes thus making powerful computer resources available at smaller institutions. It will provide high performance computing to researchers and a laboratory for computer science to experiment in an area that is becoming vital to both researchers and businesses.
* In 2004, Reynolds secured $250,000 for the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo. The investment helped the school establish a Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Science.
* This year Congressman Reynolds' request for $300,000 in federal investments for Geneseo has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Geneseo will use the funding to purchase a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer used for research of organic and biochemical molecules and will allow researchers to determine the structure of these molecules.

"Geneseo is a tremendous resource for our region," Reynolds said. "Western New York is home to many stellar institutions of higher learning, a fact that bodes well for our region's economic future. This funding will enhance Geneseo's ongoing efforts to be a leader in scientific research and will further its mission of educating Western New York's leaders, researchers and difference makers of tomorrow."

http://www.reynolds.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=342&Itemid=9