Governor Cuomo Announces $100 Million Available To Fund Clean Air And Alternative Transportation Projects
Albany, NY - May 18, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the availability of $100 million in transportation funding to support and enhance community growth and revitalize downtowns. Funding will support a range of projects, including the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, and safe routes to schools, to community improvements such as historic preservation and projects that reduce congestion and gas emissions.
"New York continues to build stronger, safer, and cleaner communities by investing in projects that promote thriving downtowns," Governor Cuomo said. "By securing this federal funding and making it available to our local communities, we can help ensure that New York will continue to attract businesses, generate new jobs and encourage economic activity while helping meet our goal of a cleaner, greener and safer Empire State for all."
"As an almost daily bicyclist, I know how important it is to have access to alternative transportation options," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "With this significant funding, we can invest in the future of our bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in communities across the state. We are also focusing on improving accessibility for those with disabilities and reducing emissions to help combat climate change. This transportation funding will go a long way toward creating a brighter future for the state of New York."
Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process that rates proposals based on criteria that includes public benefit, air quality improvement, and finance or delivery innovation. Selected projects will also help municipalities meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and the Americans with a Disabilities Act.
Projects must be related to the surface transportation system and provide full access to the public. Applications for funding may be developed by any municipality or non-profit incorporated group. Projects must be sponsored either by a municipality, a state agency, or public authority eligible to administer federal transportation funds.
Eligible project activities include:
- The addition of accessible sidewalks;
- Construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
- Preservation and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use;
- Enhancement of traffic signals or intersections that improve traffic flow; and
- Establishment of travel demand programs that shift traffic demand to non-peak hours or other transportation modes.
The funds, made available to the state through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, are provided through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. The programs will provide up to 80 percent of project-related cost, with the remaining 20 percent provided by project sponsors.
The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through August 16, 2018. Applications, program guidance and workshop schedules are available here.
Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said, "Governor Cuomo recognizes that regional economic competitiveness and growing communities revolve around providing strategic and innovative investments in transportation infrastructure. These funds provide invaluable resources for projects that promote healthy living, support recreation and tourism, and improve the air quality in our communities."
Congressman Eliot Engel said, "Modernizing our transportation system is one of the keys to keeping America competitive globally well into the 21st century. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has done nothing to help promote the type of transportation projects that will create a cleaner planet while also expanding transportation options for every American. Therefore, it is up to the states to act, and I am proud Governor Cuomo is making sure New York continues to lead the way on alternative transportation."
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, "I am pleased Governor Cuomo is making good use of federal funds by supporting clean air and alternative transportation programs. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support robust funding for initiatives like the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program to enhance New York's infrastructure while protecting the environment."
Congressman José E. Serrano said, "This funding will help New York municipalities expand pedestrian routes and recreational trails, reduce traffic, and improve air quality. As the borough with one of the highest rates of air pollution in New York City, the Bronx has experienced firsthand the negative effects of heavy traffic and lack of access to alternative transportation options for decades. This is why I have always made it a priority working to improve air quality and expand access to green spaces in the Bronx. Today, our air is cleaner, we have more parks and areas like the Bronx River, and Bronxites can enjoy a better quality of life. The funding announced today by Governor Cuomo will help us continue making progress on this issue, in the Bronx and throughout New York City."
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, "These projects will help New York become more walkable and bicycle friendly, and will help our communities preserve their unique historical sites. I thank the Federal Highway Administration, the New York State Department of Transportation, and Governor Cuomo for helping secure this funding so that residents and visitors alike can have more safe and accessible ways to enjoy New York."
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, "Infrastructure is one of the best public investments we can make. This new program not only improves our transportation system to help people get around, but simultaneously cleans up our air and offers greater access to the disabled. This is a smart approach to bettering the lives of all New Yorkers."
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "Providing alternative forms of transportation and expanding our mass transit makes our air cleaner, lessens the load off our congested roads, and ultimately makes New Yorkers healthier. The $100 million provided by the Federal Highway Administration and implemented through NYS DOT is a perfect example of how the federal government can and should work with states to build and improve its core infrastructure. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo to seeing these projects through to completion."
Congressman Joe Crowley said, "To continue leading the global fight against climate change, our state's leaders must encourage sustainable growth. Governor Cuomo understands that ambitious infrastructure projects and environmental conservation efforts must go hand-in-hand. These funds will help revitalize our communities in an environmentally sustainable manner, which is key to investing in New York's future."
Congressman Brian Higgins said, "This is a great opportunity to access federal and state funds to improve accessibility, re-imagine abandoned rail corridors and create safer, walkable communities."
Congressman Paul Tonko said, "Investing in healthy transportation is good for New York families and communities, improving commutes, strengthening local economies and keeping our air cleaner and our families safer. Local leaders should seize this opportunity to deliver valuable improvements for the communities they serve."
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, "Folks in the Hudson Valley can tell you just how important revitalization efforts are - we've got aging infrastructure that can be put to good use and we've got a growing demand for alternative transportation and recreation opportunities in a lot of New York's small cities. I worked hard on the highway bill to secure the federal funds for these important projects - and I'm thankful for the Governor's leadership on critical infrastructure projects like these."
Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, "I commend Governor Cuomo on today's announcement to invest and modernize New York's infrastructure with clean alternative transportation projects that will benefit communities throughout the state. Innovative strategies that help expand infrastructure through projects such as pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, recreational trails, and safe sidewalks for area schools, as well as lessen congestion and gas emissions throughout our cities, are projects that will continue to promote health and wellness that benefits each of us and our communities, today and for years to come."