Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today secured final congressional approval of $150,000 for the renovation of Owego's historic municipal building located at 90 Temple Street.  Hinchey used his position as a member of the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee to secure the funds for renovations of the building as part of the fiscal year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill.  The Senate is due to pass the bill in the coming days.  The bill will then be sent to the White House where President Obama is expected to sign it into law.

"These federal resources will enable the Village of Owego to make much-needed repairs to the municipal building on Temple Street," Hinchey said. "Investing in upgrades to this historic building will help preserve it for many decades to come and help further beautify the Village of Owego.  Additionally, the funding I secured from Congress will help spare local taxpayers from having to cover the full cost of this important project."

This historic building currently houses the Village of Owego Police Department and Justice Court. The building was originally acquired from the Owego school system in 1910.  In 1980, the building was added to the National Historic Registry, but the exterior has not been renovated since that time. These renovations will restore the historic integrity of the building and bring it into Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.