CM Brooks-Powers questions OMB on Rockaway trauma center funding
Councilmember Brooks-Powers asks why the executive budget includes no funding for the Rockaway trauma center despite $50 million previously secured and a publicly owned site. Solomon says he's evaluating cost estimates and funding availability, but cannot provide a commitment, drawing frustration from Brooks-Powers who raised this since preliminary budget.
So we have Councilmember Brooks-Powers and then Councilmember Aviles.
Thank you, Chair, and I've already put my name for round two.
So in round one, I will focus on the district.
Round two, I'll focus on my chairmanship position.
So it's good to see you, Director.
First, I'm actually going to ask you all three questions, and then I can repeat whatever you need to do.
So the Rockaway community for decades has advocated for a trauma center, and we have been able to secure $50 million in capital funding as well as a publicly owned site for the facility.
Rockaway residents are closely watching whether this administration plans to invest in the trauma center.
Can this administration explain why there is no funding in the executive budget for the trauma center and whether you intend to rectify the situation in the final budget?
The next one is Senator Sanders has allocated $1 million towards the trauma center, but has been told that he cannot move the state capital funds to health and hospitals for this project.
Health and Hospitals has informed
us that OMB is not allowing for the transfer to move forward.
Can OMB please explain why the funding that is already secured in the state budget cannot find a home within health and hospital?
And lastly, the council appropriated $10 million for the Brookville Park Recreation Center in fiscal 24.