GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $7.1 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDING FOR NEW YORK CITY TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Economic Recovery Investment to Create an Estimated 170 Jobs
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the certification of an additional $7.1 million for transportation projects in New York City 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 170 jobs. The area is expected to receive $313.9 million in economic recovery funding for road and bridge projects in the Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond and New York counties.
“In financing the repairs to the Bruckner Expressway or the Waterbury Avenue pedestrian bridge, we also help to revitalize struggling local economies. These construction 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 project:
The project is scheduled for completion in December 2011.
Earlier this month, Governor Paterson announced that in addition to the ARRA funding, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will award New York City $382 million in highway and bridge contracts this fiscal year. The area also will receive approximately $75 million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program funding. In total, New York City communities will receive more than $771 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 NYSDOT, which consults with local elected officials and selects projects for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. NYSDOT worked 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 New York City infrastructure projects:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “This funding from the economic recovery package is much-needed and a wise investment for New York City’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 City’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 City’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 New York City’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 Eliot Engel said: “The Major Deegan Expressway is used by thousands of commuters daily, as well as drivers and truck traffic throughout the day and night. Improving this road will make life easier for them while maintaining and encouraging economic growth with the efficient transporting of goods and services. My thanks to Governor Paterson for expediting the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money into projects that will help our communities.”
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 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 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.”
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 critical that we invest in these projects, which will employ skilled workers and boost our local economy. I commend President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for making these commitments and providing the resources necessary to see them through.”
Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said: “I am pleased to hear of another infusion of needed funding to be allocated for bridge repairs in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. These additional monies will not only provide for a more resilient and safe transportation infrastructure, but will also create an estimated 170 jobs. I would like to commend Governor David A. Paterson, our congressional delegation, and the New York State DOT for their continued efforts and look forward to future projects.”