FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 22, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES FIRST STIMULUS PROJECTS TO BREAK GROUND IN NORTH COUNTRY
Culvert Replacements to Improve Drainage on Highways
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the ground breaking of the first transportation infrastructure project in the North Country funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Construction began on the $3.1 million project to rehabilitate four culverts on State Routes 72, 184 and 342 in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.
The Governor recently certified the project for economic recovery funding, along with 19 others for the North Country region. The area is expected to receive $34 million in ARRA funding for highway and bridge projects.
“This project to rehabilitate culverts in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties help us to improve our local infrastructure, while also reinvigorating local economies,” Governor Paterson said. “I am grateful to President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their commitment to these investments that make for safer commutes and move us closer down the road to economic recovery.”
The project will use $2.8 million in economic-recovery funding to rehabilitate the culverts. The work will include relining, inlet and outlet cleanings that will allow for more efficient water drainage. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2009.
The following quotes were provided in support of the North Country project:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Maintaining and updating our transportation infrastructure is critical to the safety and economic growth of the North Country and all of New York State. These funds will help improve draining along State Routes 72, 184 and 342 in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties 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 North Country. 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.”
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “These preventative maintenance projects can significantly increase the longevity of the State’s highways, benefiting both the taxpayers and highway users. Governor Paterson has been dedicated to investing these federal tax dollars sensibly and efficiently to ensure New Yorkers are traveling on safe, well-maintained facilities in communities across the New York.”
Senator Darrel J. Aubertine said: “This is yet another immediate investment in our infrastructure that will pay dividends for the North Country long term. I want to thank the president and our federal representatives for providing the revenue needed to push these projects forward and the Governor for his commitment to projects in Northern New York. The rehabilitation of these four culverts reflects the State’s commitment to the safety and longevity of these highways.”
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said: “It will be a sight for sore eyes traveling these routes as projects get underway. It is fulfilling to know that our federal stimulus dollars have been put to use this construction season. I look forward to seeing the numerous other important projects break ground and the many jobs created from them.”