GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES $67 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND MULTI-USE PATH ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS

State of New York | Executive Chamber
Andrew M. Cuomo | Governor
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2014

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES $67 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND MULTI-USE PATH ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS

63 Projects Will Encourage Tourism and Economic Development Opportunities Statewide

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the award of approximately $67 million in funding for 63 bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation enhancement projects that will encourage tourism and economic development opportunities across the state. The projects include the addition of accessible sidewalks, improved pedestrian access to public transportation services, construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the preservation and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use.

“We are modernizing New York State’s transportation system while making it safer,” Governor Cuomo said. “From building new facilities for bicycles and pedestrians to supporting historic highway programs, these projects will provide new tourism and recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors. We will continue to upgrade New York’s infrastructure to expand tourism and economic development while improving our communities.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner (NYSDOT) Joan McDonald said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s sustained commitment to investing in bicycle and pedestrian safety efforts to improve the livability of communities statewide. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo, we are investing in projects that are promoting transportation alternatives, tourism and recreation, and local and regional economic development.”

These funds are made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and are administered by NYSDOT. The funds cover 80 percent of the cost of each project, with the remaining 20 percent coming from the project sponsor. The funds are dedicated for strategic investments in transportation alternatives. With the 20% local match, these projects will support a total investment of $96.5 million. The selected projects are required to address one or more of the following categories:

· Facilities for bicycles and pedestrians;
· Scenic or historic highway programs;
· Landscaping and other beautification initiatives;
· Preservation of abandoned railway corridors, including their conversion and use as pedestrian and bicycle trails; and
· Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reducing vehicle-caused wildlife mortality.

The projects announced today were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated on established criteria that included environmental enhancement to and for the transportation system; connectivity to an existing transportation system; encouragement of smart growth; impact on local or regional economies; availability of matching funds; and level of community support. A full list of the projects is below.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Improving New York’s transportation systems – be they rail, highway, pedestrian pathways or bicycle lanes – encourages tourism, improves the environment and spurs business growth along those routes, pumping vital dollars into our economy and cleaner air into our lungs. As we watch these exciting projects take off, I will continue to work with New York State to bring federal resources to bear to improve New York State’s transportation network.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Despite attempts in Congress to cut funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, I fought alongside many of my colleagues to maintain our federal commitment to projects like those being announced today. Investing in bicycle and pedestrian projects not only improves safety for cyclists and pedestrians, but promotes tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development, enhancing the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “These exciting investments in Westchester and Rockland Counties will improve public safety, offer new opportunities for tourists and Lower Hudson Valley residents to explore our region, and boost our economy. This is yet another example of how smart federal investments in transportation infrastructure can strengthen our communities.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “I thank Governor Cuomo for today’s announcement of Federal highway trust fund dollars for bike and pedestrian enhancements. In particular, the funding of two projects, the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and the Hudson River Park, will greatly impact a large number of my constituents. These investments will improve the local quality of life and are a vital part of ongoing civic improvement. I will continue to work with the Governor to make sure these projects get the attention and funding they deserve.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, “Funding for these projects will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to safely commute and travel throughout our city. I will continue working to pass funding for important projects like these, and I’m pleased to see the funds we were able to secure last year are being put to good use.”

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said, “As a lifelong resident of Long Island, I understand the importance of the environmental resources we have here and throughout New York State, and the benefits they bring to our economy and way of life. Governor Cuomo’s announcement and the funding to improve bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation enhancement projects are an important investment in our communities for our citizens, especially our young people. This funding will encourage tourism and economic development opportunities across the state and provide access to safe and welcoming means of transportation.”

Congressman Joe Crowley said, “Investing in bike and pedestrian paths, sidewalks and crosswalks is an essential part of making our communities safer, greener and better suited for the transportation practices of the 21st century, and I’m glad New York is taking full advantage of the funds available to make these critical improvements. The projects announced today will not only improve safety and encourage tourism and recreation, they will also create jobs and promote economic development.”

Congressman Steve Israel said, “I am pleased this federal investment in Great Neck Plaza will help local businesses along with pedestrians and cyclists. As we focus on healthier lifestyles and more walkable downtowns, funding for improvements like these boost quality of life for residents and strengthen communities.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “As our region continues to grow and transform, Western New Yorkers are eager to have new and improved methods of getting around their communities. This funding will support vital infrastructure improvements in Amherst and Williamsville, making it safer and more accessible for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists and providing a more user-friendly neighborhood and visitor experience.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “These federal funds will enhance the quality of life and leisure for those in our area who enjoy the great outdoors. The more we work to beautify and protect our environment, build up our infrastructure, and promote tourism, the more attractive and marketable the Capital Region becomes for families and businesses to lay down their roots and grow.”

Congressman Chris Gibson said, “Path enhancement projects have a real impact on our communities, with economic benefits through increased tourism and recreation. Upstate New York is a leader in expanding these projects and I look forward to continuing to work with the state and localities to advance these initiatives. Notably, I would also like to thank my constituents Heather Andersen and Brian Kehoe for their work leading on this effort.”

Congressman Dan Maffei said, “The funding to assist development of the Onondaga Lake Canalways Trail and the Owasco River Greenway Trail in Auburn is a huge win for Central New York. This important investment will bolster local tourism, expand recreational opportunities in our region, encourage more environmentally-friendly transportation alternatives, and in turn help our economy in Central New York continue to grow.”

Josh Wilson, Executive Director of NY Bicycling Coalition, said, “On behalf of New York Bicycling Coalition and our members across the state, I want to commend Governor Cuomo for doubling the amount of grant funding awarded by NYSDOT this year for bicycle and pedestrian projects under the Transportation Enhancements Program. This federal funding is in high demand as more communities than ever are looking for ways to increase foot and bike traffic to downtown business districts and local tourism destinations, and to make roadways safer and more appealing to pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. NYBC applauds the cities, counties and towns that are investing in the safety, health and quality of life of their residents through these projects.”

Veronica Vanterpool, Executive Director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign, said, “We applaud Governor Cuomo for heeding the call of New Yorkers to increase funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure with a 50 percent increase in TEP funds. This additional funding will be used by towns and municipalities trying to meet the soaring demand for safe, walkable, bikeable, economically vibrant streets. It’s a significant step forward in the spirit of the state’s Complete Streets law.”

Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “New Yorkers clearly want more opportunities to walk and bike and these grants are going to help them do that. We are pleased that so many communities will now have the resources to build the trails, sidewalks, and other active transportation infrastructure that will foster revitalization of main streets, attract tourism dollars, and ensure that all New Yorkers are more physically active and thus enjoy better mental and physical health.”

Projects Awards by Region

Capital Region – $5.7 million

Black Bridge over the Catskill Creek Village of Catskill Greene $2,240,000
Delaware Avenue Hamlet Multi-Modal and Streetscape Enhancements Town of Bethlehem Albany $1,200,000
North Central Avenue Pedestrian Safety Project City of Mechanicville Saratoga $400,000
NYS Route 9 Complete Streets Improvement Town of Lake George Warren $1,100,000
Hamlet of Hillsdale Pedestrian Streetscape Enhancements Town of Hillsdale Columbia $754,975

Mohawk Valley – $4 million

North & South Washington Street Project Village of Herkimer Herkimer $680,000
Grey to Green: East Dominick Streetscape Improvements City of Rome Oneida $350,000
Erie Canalway Trail: South Amsterdam to Pattersonville “Closing the Gap” NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Montgomery $980,000
Cooperstown Downtown Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements Village of Cooperstown Otsego $1,761,200
Neahwa Park Entrance Improvements City of Oneonta Otsego $227,692

Central New York – $4.5 million

Owasco River Greenway Trail Construction City of Auburn Cayuga $1,322,000
Northeast Gateway and Clinton Avenue Corridor Enhancement City of Cortland Cortland $544,000
Onondaga Lake Canalways Trail-State Fair Boulevard Extension Onondaga County Dept. Of Trans. Onondaga $1,530,000
Oneida Rail Trail: Wampsville/Oneida Connector City of Oneida Madison $545,830
South Peterboro Street Enhancement Project Phase I Village of Canastota Madison $519,968

Finger Lakes – $4.7 million

Elmwood Avenue/Collegetown Cycle Track City of Rochester Monroe $1,000,000
Highland Crossing Trail Town of Brighton Monroe $1,331,040
Erie Canalway Trail Segment West of NYS Route 414 Village of Clyde Wayne $279,472
Downtown Perry Streetscape Village of Perry Wyoming $1,063,638
Ellicott Trail Town of Batavia Genesee $1,024,492

Western New York – $7.8 million

Pendleton Pathway Expansion Project Town of Pendleton Niagara $640,153
Olean Creek Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing City of Olean Cattaraugus $535,516
Newstead Trailway Expansion Project Town of Newstead Erie $245,854
Town of Holland Sidewalk Connection Project Town of Holland Erie $370,505
Newfane Streetscape Improvements Town of Newfane Niagara $336,880
The Pennsy Trail Seneca Nation of Indians Cattaraugus $482,206
Amherst Sidewalks for Safety Town of Amherst Erie $406,400
Mayville Lakeside Pedestrian and Bike Path- Section 4 Chautauqua County Chautauqua $611,200
Main Street Sidewalks- Thompson to Transit Town of Clarence Erie $415,600
Picture Main Street Village of Williamsville Erie $2,500,000
The Lucy Trail Chautauqua County Chautauqua $965,200
Village Gateway Enhancements Village of Wellsville Allegany $278,794

Southern Tier – $3.3 million

Northside (East Pulteney Street) Pedestrian Safety Improvements City of Corning Steuben $480,000
Chemung River Corridor Trail – Lackawanna Trail Improvements Chemung County Chemung $202,214
Campbell Hamlet Sidewalk Project Town of Campbell Steuben $164,960
Town of Chemung Sidewalk Placement Project Chemung County Chemung $600,000
W. Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor Enhancements City of Ithaca Tompkins $600,000
South Otsiningo Riverfront Multi-Modal Trail Broome County Broome $406,300
Front St. Streetscape Improvements (Court St. to Dean St.) Village of Deposit Broome $825,000

North Country – $3 million

Black River Trail Extension NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Jefferson $640,000
Pedestrian Accessibility Improvements NYS 86 Village of Saranac Lake Franklin $761,600
Saranac River Trail City of Plattsburgh Clinton $1,626,000

Mid-Hudson Valley – $14.2 million

NYS Route 211 Pedestrian and Landscape Improvements Town of Wallkill Orange $1,336,000
Town of Crawford Pedestrian Improvement Town of Crawford Orange $611,029
Route 52 Pedestrian Bridge to Walden-Wallkill Rail Trail Village of Walden Orange $500,928
Safe Sidewalks Program/East Main Street & Kingston Avenue City of Port Jervis Orange $745,178
Brown/South/Esther Streetscape-Phase 2 City of Peekskill Westchester $788,000
Scotts Corner Bike/Pedestrian Safety Streetscape Project Town of Pound Ridge Westchester $1,480,000
Revitalization West Nyack Phase 2 Town of Clarkstown Rockland $2,321,224
N. Middletown Rd Pedestrian Corridor Link Town of Orangetown Rockland $1,899,859
Morningthorpe Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Connection Putnam County Putnam $2,000,000
Jefferson Street Gateway Project Village of Monticello Sullivan $477,995
City of Kingston Connectivity Project City of Kingston Ulster $2,001,500

Long Island – $5.1 million

Sunrise Highway Streetscape Program Village of Freeport Nassau $1,655,871
The Bay Shore Corridor Project Town of Islip Suffolk $1,615,514
Downtown Main Street Sidewalk and Roadway Improvements Village of Port Jefferson Suffolk $1,001,208
Shorewood Drive/Welwyn Road Pedestrian and Bicyclist Enhancements Village of Great Neck Plaza Nassau $838,000

New York City – $14.8 million

Putnam Plaza NYC Department of Transportation Kings $2,403,743
Pulaski Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian NYC Department of Transportation Queens $2,500,000
Hell Gate Pathway Phase III NYC Department of Parks & Recreation (NYCDPR) New York $2,500,000
Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway-Gowanus Connector NYC Department of Transportation Kings $2,500,000
Route 9A/West 13th Street Hudson River Park Trust New York $2,361,374
Pedestrian and Bike Improvements in Gulick Park The City of New York, Department of Parks & Recreation New York $2,500,000

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Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
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