GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $5.5 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDING FOR CENTRAL NY TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Economic Recovery Investments to Create an Estimated 132 Jobs
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the certification of an additional $5.5 million for transportation projects in Central New York through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These investments will provide for essential highway and bridge repairs and other long-term improvements that will create an estimated 132 jobs. This total is more than the $82 million allotment previously announced for Central New York because bids received on some individual projects have been less than their certified amount, allowing room for additional projects to be certified. The area includes Cayuga, Cortland, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca and Tompkins counties. “These investments in Central New York’s transportation infrastructure projects will go a long way to make our roadways safer and get New Yorkers back to work,” Governor Paterson said. “Thanks to the efforts of President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation, we have the means to invest in a stronger, more prosperous future.” The certifications include the following projects:
The project will remove these bridges from the deficient bridge inventory. Construction is expected to be completed in 2011.
Earlier this month, Governor Paterson announced that in addition to the ARRA funding, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will award Central New York $88 million in highway and bridge contracts this fiscal year. The area also will receive approximately $50 million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program funding. In total, Central New York communities will receive more than $220 million in highway and bridge funding in State Fiscal Year 2009-10. The economic recovery funds New York will receive for transportation projects must follow the same process required for distributing all federal transportation funds. The money is 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 NYSDOT representatives. MPOs vote unanimously on projects for their Transportation Improvement Program, and the projects are then eligible to receive economic recovery funds.
Similarly, regions of New York State without MPOs are served by the NYSDOT, which consults with local elected officials and selects projects for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. NYSDOT 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 Central New York infrastructure projects:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “This funding from the economic recovery package is much-needed and a wise investment in our 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 our local economy because it will modernize infrastructure, create jobs and promote economic development across the region.”
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 Central 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 Central New York’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 Central 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 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.”
Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton said: “I’m very happy to see that Governor Paterson is moving expeditiously to get the federal stimulus money out to these important transportation projects, doing critical rebuilding of our infrastructure, while maintaining and creating the good jobs needed to revitalize our economy.”