WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) today announced that the U.S. House Representatives approved funding to renovate and restore Fort Greene Park.  The funds were included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, which passed the house last month.  The next step for the bill is approval by the United States Senate.

“Fort Greene is one of the great historical landmarks in the country but, unfortunately, many areas in the park have fallen into disrepair,” said Rep. Towns.  “These additional funds will help restore the park’s natural beauty and directly improve the Fort Greene neighborhood.”

Rep. Towns secured $300,000 to help renovate the park’s sidewalks, restore signage and improve the landscaping around the Revolutionary War Prison Ship Martyrs Monument.  The monument, located in the center of Fort Greene Park, is a memorial to the men who died aboard British prison ships during the Revolutionary War.  The Fort Greene Park Conservancy has worked with the New York City Parks Department in recent years to restore the park, and is in the midst of a full restoration.

“The Conservancy is grateful to Rep. Towns’ effort on behalf of Fort Greene, and looks forward to working with him to make the best possible use of the funds to serve the citizens of Fort Greene and surrounding neighborhoods of Fort Greene Park,” said Fort Greene Park Conservancy Chairman Charles Jarden.  “The Fort Greene Park Conservancy is dedicated to making the Park not only a neighborhood asset, but also a destination for all Americans to come to enjoy the best possible park experience and to honor the 11,500 patriots buried there.”

“We must do everything possible to protect this valuable green space in Brooklyn for generations to come,” added Rep. Towns.

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