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News Headlines for Sat., Mar. 5, 2016

Young, Goodell, and Giglio announce capital funding awards for local hospitals -- including WCA...

Four local hospitals -- including WCA in Jamestown -- have received $88.4-million in capital funding from the state to upgrade their facililties.  The announcement was made this afternoon by State Senator Cathy Young... and, Assemblymen Andy Goodell and Joe Giglio.  Young says WCA Hospital will receive $26.7-million to make it "better equipped" to meet the community's needs.  She says Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk... and, TLC Lake Shore Hospital will share the largest amount -- $57-milion -- to "transform these health facilities into a state-of-the-art integrated system that will give people the care they need and deserve, and save lives."   Young adds that Cuba Memorial Hospital will also receive $4.7-million dollars in capital grant funding.  She adds the region's small, rural hospitals really need the help, and this assistance will make a difference for many patients.


Rebuild NY Now and local and state officials rally for more state DOT Funding...

It's time to restore funding parity for key road and bridge projects between the New York City... and, upstate New York regions.  That was the message this morning from local and state government, and labor leaders, who took part in a rally in Falconer hosted by Rebuild New York NOW... and, State Senator Cathy Young.  Rebuild New York's Carley Hill says the Metropolitan Transporation Authority will receive about $26.3-billion the next five years... versus the state Department of Transporation's $20.1-billion.  Young says this is a key issue because "we need that parity... investment, and jobs."  She says the lack of parity has put Upstate New York way behind in road and bridge projects that need to be done.  She adds the disparity began in 2009 when Democrats took over leadership of the Senate... and diverted more money to the downstate region.  County Executive Vince Horrigan says it's time for the state to pay up... because if you delay a $100,000 project it may turn into a $1-million investment later.  State Assemblyman Andy Goodell says if the inequity between Upstate and Downstate remains... it will hurt the entire state in the long-run.


Young says the $6-billion needed in added DOT Funding would come from bank settlement monies...

Finding the $6-billion-plus to eliminate the funding gap between the MTA and the state's DOT may not be that complicated.  State Senator Cathy Young says budget conference committees are already looking at the multi-billion dollar settlements with large banks.  The Olean Repubilcan will only say... right now... that those are a possible resource.  She says there are billions of dollars available, and some of those have already allowed the project to build a new Tappan Zee Bridge downstate to move forward.   The approximately $4-billion project is well on the way to completion... but, Young says -- in Upstate New York -- there are numerous roads and bridges that are crumbling, and falling into disrepair.  She says her constituents call on a daily basis about roads and bridges that need to be repaired or replaced.


Cruz challenge to be on NYS ballot to be ruled on shortly...

A New York judge plans to rule in the next few days whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Republican Sen. Ted Cruz's presence on New York's primary ballot on April 19.  State Supreme Court Justice David Weinstein is considering the claim that Cruz isn't ``a natural born citizen'' of the U.S. as constitutionally required for eligibility to be president.  Weinstein says he'll first consider arguments by Cruz's attorney that the challenge at the state Board of Elections was filed 19 days too late.  Cruz was born in Alberta, Canada. His mother was a U.S. citizen living there.  His father is a native of Cuba.  Plaintiffs Barry Korman and William Gallo argue that Cruz is a natural born Canadian.  The 45-year-old Cruz was elected to the Senate from Texas in 2012.


Silver Creek man escapes serious injury when car crashes into north county pond...

A north county man escaped serious injuries when he lost control of his car... and, it crashed into a pond at the Rosebrook Golf Course in Silver Creek.  Sheriff's officers say 64 year-old Leland Lamoreaux of Silver Creek was westbound on Beebe Road in the Town of Hanover about 9 a.m. Friday when he lost control of his speeding vehicle.  Deputies say the car slid across a lawn... and, went into the pond.  Officers say the vehicle was partially submerged in the pond... and, Lamoreaux was able to free himself from the vehicle prior to first-responders arriving.  They say Lamoreaux was taken to Lake Shore Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  No charges have yet been filed.