Hochul announces $178.8M in transportation enhancement projects
NEW YORK » Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $178.8 million has been awarded to 75 communities across New York state for projects that promote environmentally friendly modes of travel and make it easier and safer to walk, bike or hike. The funding will improve access to the transportation system for all users and advance New York state’s nation-leading agenda to fight climate change by supporting the construction of new sidewalks, shared-use paths, and other enhancements that facilitate the use of nonmotorized modes of travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to state officials.
More than two-thirds of the projects awarded will benefit Environmental Justice Communities, thereby helping to improve connectivity, air quality, and bicycle and pedestrian access for the predominantly low-and-moderateincome families living in those areas.
“As demonstrated through the recently adopted State Budget and our historic capital plan, New York continues to make unprecedented investments so we can build back stronger than ever before,” Hochul said in a news release. “We’re investing in strategic initiatives across the state to improve quality of life, promote economic growth, and revitalize our communities. Most importantly, by advancing mobility alternatives, these awards will provide new opportunities and remove barriers for individuals in Environmental Justice Communities that have traditionally lacked adequate transportation access.”
“New York is committed to moving projects like this forward that will not only help lower emissions using transportation alternatives but will also mitigate traffic congestion and help improve connectivity, air quality, and access for predominantly lowand-moderate-income families,” Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. “This funding is a win for all regions across New York State, and it is another example of our commitment to making smart investments today that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come.”
The funding, which provides up to 80 percent of total project costs, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. Projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process that required awardees to demonstrate how proposed activities would contribute to increasing the use of non-vehicular transportation alternatives, reduce vehicle emissions and/ or mitigate traffic congestion. Combined with project sponsor contributions, these awards will leverage nearly $550 million in additional community investments.
“Governor Kathy Hochul is unwavering in her commitment to improving the lives of all New Yorkers, with targeted investments in every region of the state to promote all possible modes of transportation. With a strong focus on sidewalks, recreational opportunities, and pedestrian and bike access, these projects support the increased public demand in the post-COVID-19 environment for more walkable and bikeable communities. Investments like these will pave the way towards a future in line with the Governor’s vision, where our communities are more connected, our transportation networks are more accessible to everyone, and our carbon footprint is smaller,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said.
“In our work to achieve New York’s Climate Act goals, it’s imperative that we are able to ensure residents, especially those in underserved areas, have options to walk, bike or use other modes of emissions-free transportation to safely go to work and access community amenities and resources. Building out and improving shared use and bike paths helps reduce harmful emissions from communities across the state and fosters a high quality of life for all New Yorkers through fresher air, and cleaner, greener environments,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris remarked.
“I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul’s steadfast commitment to building stronger more resilient and sustainable communities. This significant investment, impacting 75 communities, is another strategic step in that process that supports more environmentally
friendly modes of transportation that gets more people outdoors walking and biking to reduce our carbon footprints. Additionally, these funds directly improve the quality of life of people living in disadvantaged communities that are often when it comes to community transportation and revitalization,” Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos noted.
“Get ready New York because thanks to the federal dollars I delivered through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are about to have a bike boom! This funding means better bike lines in Syracuse, more trails in gorges Ithaca, greater walkability for towns across the Finger Lakes, and so much more. I am proud to have paved the way for these tremendous investments in greenways and expanded transportation to keep Upstate New York rolling to a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible future,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer explained.
“Investments in pedestrian and bike infrastructure are vital in connecting people to their jobs, schools, and their community as a whole. These transportation enhancements in the Capital Region will help us meet critical climate goals and give us the opportunity to make our region healthier, safer, and more resilient. I’m thankful for the Governor’s work supporting strong transportation improvements. I will continue to drive federal investments that grow our clean economy and advance a better future for us all,” Rep. Paul Tonko remarked.
The Capital Region is slated to receive $27.2 million in funding for projects.