Governor Andrew M Cuomo has announced that US$112.2m in funding has been awarded to 81 projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and improve air quality across New York State.
The new funding supports projects that include multiuse bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new accessible sidewalks that adhere to regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improved access to public transportation, and enhanced roadway safety. The funding, which will provide up to 80% of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
Selected through a competitive solicitation process, awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both. Including additional public and private funding, these projects will make use of nearly US$233m in construction and operational enhancements that will improve air quality, promote walking and biking, expand public transportation access, and boost tourism across the state.
The project funding includes:
• US$16.1m to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, and transit schemes;
• US$2m to the Capital District Transportation Authority to implement a bikeshare program;
• US$1.2m to the Central New York Region to establish a Highway Emergency Local Patrol (HELP) Truck service;
• US$3.3m to the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority to provide a Mobile Ticketing System and US$5m to purchase five electric buses;
• US$3.6m to the Mid-Hudson Region to expand park and ride capacity on two corridors in Dutchess County;
• US$5m to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to purchase Compressed Natural Gas buses;
• US$1.5m for the Western New York Region to establish a HELP Truck service; and
• US$1.4m to the City of Buffalo to implement Phase I of its Bicycle Master Plan.
“This funding is critical to enhancing our infrastructure and paving the way for both pedestrian and bicycle travel,” explained Cuomo. “By improving roadway safety and increasing access to healthy transportation alternatives, we are providing both residents and visitors a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty like never before, while supporting a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.”
NYSDOT commissioner Matthew Driscoll commented, “Governor Cuomo continues to make strategic investments that address the increased demand for more walkable and bikeable communities. Promoting local transportation alternatives, tourism and recreation opportunities will enhance regional economic development opportunities and are indicative of the historic commitment New York State is making in transportation infrastructure.”
