Higgins: More than $207.5 million for local colleges & students

Higher education funding, included in American Rescue Plan, released to communities

Congressman Brian Higgins announced more than $207.5 million in federal funding approved by Congress under the American Rescue Plan is headed to help Western New York higher education institutions and students.

“Continuing access to education throughout the pandemic hasn’t been easy, but it is so important,” he said. “This funding will help keep students safe, learning and on a path to graduation.”

The American Rescue Plan, supported by Higgins, included nearly $40 billion for institutions of higher education. The legislation required colleges to dedicate at least half of their funding for emergency assistance for students to help address access to food, housing or other hardships related to the pandemic.

This funding is in addition to nearly $69 million directed to Western New York colleges last year under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.