Hochul signs streets ruling
Legislation boosts funding for some local road projects
ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul signed two pieces of transportation-related legislation earlier this week, including one that boosts state funding for local road projects.
The legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, will increase the state’s share of funding for transportation projects when local governments redesign roads using “complete street” designs.
Complete street designs are meant to increase access and safety for pedestrian, bicyclists, public transportation riders and drivers. The designs incorporate features like sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
The legislation will require the state to fund 87.5 percent of the project’s cost that isn’t covered by federal funds.
In some cases, the state’s share can rise to 100 percent of the non-federally funded portion of the project, according to the legislation.
Fahy praised the decision, saying pedestrian deaths in the United States have hit a 40-year high.
“If our goal is to build strong, multimodal walkable communities while reducing transportation-sector emissions, complete street design is a proven component for achieving that objective,” Fahy said.
The legislation will go into effect on Dec. 28, 2023, and apply to project agreements signed on or after that date.
Hochul also signed legislation that requires transportation authorities give a voting position to a transit-dependent representative on their boards.
Jaime Watson, a spokeswoman for CDTA, said the authority welcomed the change.
“It can only strengthen our board,” she said. “For us, it’s a good thing.”