Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas said Tuesday he’s working phones with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s staff to get funding released for a new Brooks Memorial Hospital. He’s also making it clear he wants it in the city.

“Regarding the hospital, I have been in contact with the governor’s representative,” Rosas told the city Common Council Tuesday.

“I just want the council to be aware that at this point, I have been requesting that not only the hospital stay here in the city, but probably just as, if not more, importantly, that the governor take into consideration our two main concerns,” he continued. “One being the fact that if and when the hospital leaves, we would like to have support — financial support — from the state to repurpose that whole city block.

“Then the other concern is that we do have poor people who don’t have transportation, who need these essential medical services,” the mayor added. “I believe that’s an issue that should be addressed as well.”

Brooks is supposed to build a new hospital in Fredonia, according to a plan approved in 2020. However, the project is still just a blueprint. The state offered to help fund the project, but the money was never released.

Rosas said he has another meeting about Brooks with state officials on Friday, and he promised to keep the council informed about hospital happenings.

“You know, basically where we’re at now is the hospital board of directors is stating that the hospital is in jeopardy of non-existing,” Rosas said. “So that’s an issue that the governor needs to deal with as well.”

On Saturday, the administration of Brooks-TLC Hospital and former state Sen. Catharine Young held a community rally in support of a new facility at the Clarion Hotel. Outside, Rosas stood with about 20 residents fighting to keep the institution in the city and was joined by Natalie Luczkowiak, First Ward councilwoman, who spearheaded the event. No other Common Council member was in attendance.