FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 11, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $94.9 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE
New Projects to Enhance New York’s Highways and Bridges; Create More Than 2,200 Jobs
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the certification of an additional $94.9 million for highway and bridge improvements through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding will allow 43 new projects to move forward, creating an estimated 2,277 jobs across the State, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Today’s announcement brings the total number of ARRA-certified transportation projects to 217, for which the federal stimulus package will provide $617.8 million of the $777 million in total project costs.
“The ARRA funding provided for these projects will create safer roads, better bridges and a stronger infrastructure across the State,” said Governor Paterson. “As we create our New Economy, it is imperative that businesses and residents have access to reliable, efficient transportation. I thank the President and the New York State Congressional Delegation, who fought to secure this critical funding. This summer New Yorkers will see crews at work in every region of New York, making lasting improvements to our State’s infrastructure.”
Some of the projects in today’s certification announcement include:
- $11 million in ARRA funding for a project to resurface State roadways in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.
Locations include:
- State Route 9 in Halfmoon, Clifton Park and Malta between State Route 146 and Crescent Avenue
- State Route 20 in Guilderland between State Route 146 and west of Johnston Road
- State Route 155 in Colonie between Shaker High School and east of State Route 9
- State Route 4 in North and East Greenbush between State Routes 43 and 151
- State Route 50 in Ballston and Ballston Spa, between the southern and northern intersections with State Route 67
- State Route 914D, Broadway, in Schenectady near Interstate 890 Exit 5.
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010.
- $7.1 million in ARRA funding for a project to repair deficient bridge conditions in Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond counties. The project will extend the service life of various bridges by performing concrete, steel, and joint repairs at locations exhibiting structural deterioration.
Locations Include:
- In Bronx County, work will be done on the Bruckner Expressway, Cross Bronx Expressway and Major Deegan Expressway
- In Kings County, work will be done on the Belt Parkway and Brooklyn - Queens Expressway
- In New York County, work will be done on the FDR Drive and Harlem River Drive
- In Queens County, work will be done on the Belt Parkway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Jackie Robinson Parkway, Long Island Expressway and Van Wyck Expressway
- In Richmond County, work will be done on the Korean War Veterans Parkway and Staten Island Expressway.
- The project will also include replacement of the Waterbury Avenue pedestrian bridge span over southbound Interstate 95.
- The project is scheduled for completion in December 2011.
- $6.5 million in ARRA funding for a project to resurface State Route 17 between the Chemung County Line and Sackett’s Creel in the Village of Waverly and towns of Barton and Nichols, Tioga County. This project will improve 40 miles of pavement, rehabilitate eight large culverts and upgrade guide railing. Work is expected to be completed in spring 2010.
- $4.1 million in ARRA funding to replace the County Route 39 bridge over the Grasse River in the town of Louisville, St. Lawrence County. This project involves removing the historic stone arch bridge and building a new steel structure adjacent to the existing bridge. A plaque will document the history of the stone bridge and a retaining wall will be constructed using stones from the original bridge. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011.
- $4 million in ARRA funding to rehabilitate the roadway pavement and make needed drainage improvements on:
- County Route 67 between I-495
- The Long Island Expressway
- County Route 17 in the town of Islip, Suffolk County.
- Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2010.
- $3.6 million in ARRA funding to replace two bridges on State Route 90 in Cayuga County.
- The first bridge is over Little Salmon Creek in the town of Genoa.
- The second is over Paines Creek in the town of Ledyard.
- The project will remove these bridges from the deficient bridge inventory. Construction is expected to be completed in 2011.
- $1.8 million in ARRA funding for a project to repave a two-mile section of Townline Road in the towns of Pendleton and Wheatfield in Niagara County to address deteriorating pavement conditions. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2010
- $1.4 million in ARRA funding to replace the bridge carrying Caretaker Road over the Walloomsac River in the town of Hoosick, Rensselaer County. This bridge, built in 1900, accesses a historic site, the Bennington Battlefield. Without this work, the bridge would be closed, causing inconvenience to motorists who would have to travel a lengthy detour. A bridge closure also would cause an increase in response times for local emergency service providers. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
The economic recovery funds New York will receive for transportation projects must follow the same process required for distributing all federal transportation funds. The funds are allocated to projects that are selected by the 13 regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) across the State, which are comprised of local elected officials, local transit operators and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) representatives. MPOs vote unanimously on projects for their Transportation Improvement Program, and the projects then are eligible to receive economic recovery funds.
Similarly, regions of New York State without MPOs are served by NYSDOT, which consults with local elected officials and selects projects for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The department is working with local officials and the Governor’s Economic Recovery Cabinet to identify priority shovel-ready projects eligible for recovery funds. For more information, please visit: http://recovery.ny.gov/.
The following quotes were provided in support of the economic recovery infrastructure projects:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “This funding from the economic recovery package is much-needed and a wise investment for our State’s transportation infrastructure. These projects will help jumpstart the economy by creating and retaining jobs, and make critical upgrades to our decaying roads and bridges to make travel safer and easier. This is the best way to put federal dollars to work for New York’s economy because it will modernize infrastructure, create jobs and promote economic development.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “Today’s announcement by Governor Paterson that stimulus funds we passed in Congress will be used to upgrade New York’s roads and bridges is great news for the safety of our residents and for continued economic recovery in the region. More than just making needed upgrades to our State’s transportation infrastructure, the investment of these critical federal dollars will create hundreds of good paying jobs. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional delegation to ensure that New York gets its fair share of federal dollars.”
NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “The jobs retained and created by economic recovery funding are crucial to strengthening New York State’s economy, and it has been Governor Paterson’s dedication to using these essential federal funds that has both produced and secured steady paychecks for many New Yorkers. The lifespan of New York’s transportation infrastructure will be extended and the safety of many highways and bridges enhanced through these important State and local projects.”
Congressman Michael Arcuri said: “This funding will be critical to towns and counties across Central New York as they continue to see recovery bill money for much needed upgrades and repairs to aging roads and bridges across the region. I join the Governor in offering my continued support to these projects and look forward to continued progress across Central New York thanks to the Recovery Bill.”
Congressman Eliot Engel said: “These roadside guardrails will make life safer for drivers and pedestrians throughout Rockland. This will be $1 million well spent, and I thank the Governor for acting to get federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects started. When we in Congress passed this legislation, this is what we wanted to happen – necessary projects quickly funded and work quickly started.”
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “These federal economic recovery funds will help improve public safety, enhance the quality of life for area residents, and promote economic growth. I am grateful that Governor Paterson has decided to allocate part of the State’s share of economic recovery funding for these very worthwhile projects. In addition to paying for much-needed projects, these federal funds will spare local taxpayers from much of the cost.”
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said: “I’m delighted that this $7.1 million federal investment will help repair New York City roads and bridges and create 170 jobs. This transportation funding will boost our city’s economy and benefit entire communities, not just drivers. I applaud Governor Paterson for his wise stewardship of ARRA funding, and I’m grateful to President Obama and my colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation for helping deliver this much-needed funding for our city.”
Congressman Eric Massa said: “My primary focus is on job creation and tax relief. Because of the Recovery Package, we are now rebuilding our local roads and bridges, while at the same time putting people back to work. I voted for the Stimulus because it was projected to create and protect 7,500 jobs right here in New York’s 29th Congressional District and get our economy back on track.”
Congressman Michael E. McMahon said: “There isn’t a better place that the next phase of transportation funds from the economic recovery package could be directed than to revitalize the Korean War Veterans Parkway and southern part of the Staten Island Expressway. I applaud the Governor for directing this funding provided by the Federal government to Staten Island. Now, the persistent traffic congestion on the South Shore will be alleviated and the commute of all those who live on that side of the Island will be made easier. These funds, coupled with the earlier funds designated to rehabilitate the northern part of the Staten Island Expressway is the beginning of what will hopefully be a quicker and more pleasant commute for all Staten Islanders.”
Congressman John M. McHugh said: “Infrastructure funding is critically important in the North Country and I am very pleased that federal funding is being directed to a variety of transportation projects in the 23rd Congressional District. This funding provides the resources necessary for local communities to make much-needed improvements that will benefit local residents and businesses. I want to thank Governor Paterson for selecting these vitally needed initiatives for the North Country.”
Congressman Scott Murphy said: “This funding will provide critical improvements to our aging roads and bridges, putting shovels in the ground and people back to work while making our roads and bridges safer. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Paterson to implement the recovery funds to create jobs and turn our economy around.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “An investment in our infrastructure is an investment in our future. I’m overjoyed to support stimulus funding for our local transportation projects. In addition to the jobs that these ARRA funds will pay for, this money is desperately needed to help improve New York City’s roads and bridges. I know that the BQE and Belt Parkway in my district will be particularly well served by new maintenance and improvements funding.”
Congressman Paul Tonko said: “When we passed the Recovery Act in Congress we promised that the money would be put to work quickly to create jobs and repair our infrastructure – and that’s just what is happening. These newly certified projects will soon get underway, people will be put to work, and dollars will be spent in our local communities. In partnership with Governor Paterson and local officials, we are taking steps towards improving our roads and bridges and strengthening our economy.”
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said: “The State is moving quickly to put New Yorkers back to work using Economic Recovery funds. These infrastructure projects will make necessary repairs to many of our bridges, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, while at the same time, putting money in the pockets of working families.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “It is crucial that we invest in New York’s roads and bridges, critical components of our transportation infrastructure. These projects will not only improve transportation across the State, but will employ skilled workers and boost local economies. I commend President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their dedication to providing the resources necessary to see these projects through.”
Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said: “I want to thank Governor Paterson, our Congressional Delegation as well as the Department of Transportation for helping to secure these funds for New York State. The projects announced today will help to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads and bridges while putting hundreds of people to work. It is important that we begin these types of projects as soon as possible so we are able to carry New York State’s infrastructure into the future.”
Assemblyman David Gantt, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said: “These projects are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the roadways, railways, ports and aviation systems New Yorkers rely on. We must continue to invest in the construction, reconstruction and improvements to highways and bridges.”