By Josh Williams
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
LOWER MANHATTAN — State Sen. Daniel Squadron has requested the extension of a program assisting small businesses in Lower Manhattan that have lost customers because of post-9/11 construction.
Squadron sent a letter to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) last week asking that the Small Firm Assistance Program, currently set to expire on Dec. 31, 2010, be extended due to ongoing construction projects like the World Trade Center redevelopment and the Chambers Street Water Main project.
"We agree with Senator Squadron, the program has been a success among Lower Manhattan businesses, and we are looking at ways to expand the program," said Errol Cockfield, vice president of communications and community affairs for LMDC.
Squadron also asked the LMDC, which is responsible for deciding which businesses get the grant money, to extend the program to more businesses, including second-floor retail stores and those closed for security reasons.
The program is federally funded through a $5 million grant created after 9/11 to help Lower Manhattan businesses survive a decrease in customer traffic because of street closures and other construction impediments.
According to Cockfield, $2.9 million of the $5 million available has already been doled out in 224 individual grants. Some of the 135 businesses have qualified for multiple grants.
"It's a great program — we want to expand it, extend it and applaud it," Squadron said.
