FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 22, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES FIRST STIMULUS PROJECTS TO BREAK GROUND IN THE SOUTHERN TIER
Includes Maintenance for 54 Culverts in Steuben County
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the ground breaking of the first transportation infrastructure project in the Southern Tier funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Construction began on the $807,000 project to rehabilitate 54 State-owned culverts on State Route 54A in the Towns of Urbana and Pulteney in Steuben County.
The Governor recently certified the project for economic recovery funding, along with 17 other projects that total $92.7 million in transportation infrastructure funds for the Southern Tier, including $32.5 million in ARRA funding. The area is expected to receive $33.3 million in ARRA funds for highway and bridge projects.
“The rehabilitation of State culverts and roadways is the first in a series of Southern Tier projects that will help to make our roads safer and our local economies struggle,” Governor Paterson said. “We will continue to use the funds that President Obama and our Congressional Delegation secured to ensure that the Southern Tier and all of New York can work toward economic recovery.”
The project consists of relining, paving and end-section repairs on 54 culverts along a 9-mile stretch of State Route 54A. The project contract was awarded to Slate Hill Constructors, Inc. of Warners in Onondaga County. Work is now underway and is expected to be completed in the fall.
The following quotes were provided in support of the Southern Tier project:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Maintaining and updating our transportation infrastructure is critical to the safety and economic growth of the Southern Tier and all of New York State. These funds will help improve draining along State Route 54A to make travel and the transport of goods safer and easier, and it will create jobs in the process.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “It is great news that we are breaking ground in the Southern Tier. These federal dollars will go a long way to upgrade and restore our infrastructure while creating jobs and promoting long-term economic growth across New York. During these tough economic times, it is essential that we invest in our transportation infrastructure. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”
Congressman Eric Massa said: “I’m proud to help announce these projects designed to improve our local roads and our local economy. The Recovery Plan was all about creating jobs and having something to show for it at the end of the day and I’m glad to see these critical funds coming into our region.”
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “This culvert rehabilitation project is a perfect example of how preventative maintenance can keep our transportation system in good repair and extend the useful life of our structures and facilities. Governor Paterson has been aggressive in utilizing economic-recovery funds quickly and efficiently so we are positioned to benefit from additional federal funds that may become available.”