UTICA, N.Y. – Utica will receive nearly $500,000 in Emergency Solutions Grants from the second round of CARES Act funding.

The grants, which are awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are designed to help vulnerable populations, especially those struggling to pay for housing during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is welcomed news the City of Utica will be receiving additional federal assistance through the CARES Act,” said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “The city recently submitted a plan to HUD that will provide rent relief to families and households who’ve been financially impacted by the Coronavirus. This additional funding will serve as a valuable resource and allow the City to provide even more assistance to those who need it most.”

Congressman Anthony Brindisi, who advocated for the CARES Act, says this funding is critical to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

“The global pandemic has hit our communities and state hard, but we are working together to fight back and starting our comeback,” Brindisi said. “These crucial funds, secured through the bipartisan CARES Act, will help the city of Utica take care of their most vulnerable. Our communities have sacrificed so much, but together, we will come through this crisis. I am proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to deliver critical resources for the Mohawk Valley.”