$67 MILLION FOR BIKE & PEDESTRIAN PATHS

Submitted by ub on

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.”

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.”

New York City will receive $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