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

###

Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office | 518.474.8418

  Be the first to like this post (no login required)