Getting a Return on Your Investment

Under the leadership of Mayor Richard Thomas, the Department of Public Works has been able to secure millions in grants including $1.6 million for sewers and $500,000 for Memorial Field.

This past week, DPW received $675,000 from a traffic grant, was able to pursue and recover $150,000 of unclaimed Federal Emergency Management Agency funds; ensured $850,000 in CHIPs monies would be reimbursed to the city and secured over $1,000,000 in additional funding for streets to be repaved in the spring.

This department is just one example of the return on investment that can come when time and resources are dedicated to pursuing grant dollars. Currently, the City of Mount Vernon has only one full-time grants administrator and each department in the city must write and pursue their own grant dollars. These extra monies are essential because they mean services can get done and taxpayers can see their money go even further. The more we invest in grant writers; the more money we can earn.

The Thomas administration has brought in a new foundation for DPW that aggressively pursues grant dollars. Begun by former Commissioner Ralph Uzzi, the new structure has supported and enabled the current leadership team, under Commissioner Joseph Nigro, to strengthen operations and continually improve performance, exceeding past administrations. It’s all about moving Mount Vernon forward.