FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 2, 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR 59 TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT STATE

More Than $81 Million in Federal Funds Awarded for Non-Traditional Transportation Projects

Projects Use Traditional Funding and Economic Recovery Funding

Governor Paterson today announced the award of more than $81 million in federal funding to transportation projects throughout all regions of New York. These funds cover projects not eligible for traditional federal transportation funding like bike paths and historic preservation. 

A total of 59 projects will be funded through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP), with some additional funds allocated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Traditional TEP funds will provide close to $47 million for 34 projects, and ARRA funds will provide more than $34 million to another 25 TEP projects. The grants are expected to generate $217 million in statewide construction investment.

“These projects will make necessary improvements to our local walkways, bicycle paths and other transportation routes while spurring economic development and job creation,” Governor Paterson said.  “I thank President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation for working to ensure that transportation funds were included in the economic recovery package.  New York is committed to using the federal resources at our disposal to put people back to work and ensure that our State provides safe and accessible travel beyond that provided by traditional highways and bridges.”

The NYSDOT administers the Transportation Enhancement Program, which reimburses expenses for projects not eligible for conventional funds like those for highway construction and bridge repair.  Instead, TEP finances transportation improvements with cultural, aesthetic, historical and environmental significance and must fit into one or more of the following federally specified categories:

• Facilities for pedestrians and bicycles
• Safety and education activities for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Historic preservation
• Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites, including battlefields
• Scenic or historic highway programs, including tourist and welcome center facilities
• Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities, including historic railroad facilities and canals
• Preservation of abandoned railway corridors, including their conversion and use as pedestrian and bicycle paths
• Landscaping and other beautification initiatives
• Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising
• Archeological planning and research
• Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reducing vehicle-caused wildlife mortality
• Establishment of transportation-related museums

Applications for TEP may be developed by any municipality or non-profit incorporated group with the sponsorship by a municipality, State agency or eligible public authority. TEP project selection undergoes a competitive process that rates eligible applicants for environmental enhancement, connection to existing transportation system(s), encouraging smart growth, availability of matching funds and the level of community support. NYSDOT manages the review process with the participation of Metropolitan Planning Organizations that review and rank projects, and an advisory committee of State agencies, including the Department of State, Department of Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation, that review rankings and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Transportation and Governor.

Once awarded, projects are expected to begin promptly in compliance with federal and state regulations. Applicants must pay the total project costs up front with up to 80 percent of costs eligible for reimbursement. Eligible projects must have a total cost of at least $200,000. Reimbursement is limited to $2.5 million per project.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the ARRA into law, designating approximately $1.12 billion to New York State for transportation related projects. TEP projects that receive ARRA funding must be completed by March 3, 2012, with 100 percent reimbursement of eligible costs.

A full list of projects is provided below.

Capital Region

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $2.5 million for the West Brook (Lake George) Conservation Initiative to establish a public park with nature and fitness trails in the Village of Lake George, Warren County; and
• $2,450,000 for the Dix Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Saratoga County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $3,139,500 to preserve the Day Peckinpaugh Canal Motorship as an operating vessel dedicated to State history and Erie Canal heritage for the New York State Museum, Albany County; and
• $325,000 for the Ticonderoga Train Trestle Conversion and Historic Trail Expansion in the Town of Ticonderoga, Essex County.

Mohawk Valley

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $395,510 for the Judd Road Extension of Rayhill Memorial Trail in the Town of Whitestown, Oneida County; and
• $1 million for the FJ & G Rail to Trail Project in Montgomery County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $1 million for the Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project in the Village of Dolgeville, Herkimer County;
• $800,000 for the Mohawk Street Beautification Enhancement Project in the Village of Herkimer, Herkimer County;
• $1 million for the Church and Main Streetscape Enhancement Project in the Village of Canajoharie, Montgomery County; and
• $730,620 for the Sylvan Beach Pedestrian Connection Project in the Village of Sylvan Beach, Oneida County.

Central New York

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $1.55 million for the Civic Strip in the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County;
• $686,734 for the Pine Tree Road Bike and Pedestrian Path in Tompkins County; and
• $667,200 for the Salmon River Greenway Trail and Village Streetscape Improvements in the Village of Pulaski, Oswego County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $1,077,628 for the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation in the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County; and
• $409,734 for the Truxton Depot-Alive Again Project in the Town of Truxton, Cortland County.

Central-Southern Tier

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $440,000 for the Montour Falls Gateway Landscaping project in the Village of Montour Falls, Schuyler County

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $589,400 for Cuba’s Landmark Connections to the Genessee Valley Greenway with pedestrian links to the Depot and Historic districts in the Village of Cuba, Allegany County;  and
• $513,500 for the Main Street Enhancement Project II in the Village of Andover, Allegany County.

Southern Tier

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $718,096 for the Chenango River Trails Connection Project in the City of Binghamton, Broome County; and
• $349,848 for the Vestal Trail, Section 4, in the Town of Vestal, Broome County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $1,403,841 for the Cobleskill Pedestrian Walkway Bicycle Path and Route 7 Enhancement from Schoharie Parkway to the New Railroad Bridge in Schoharie County;
• $1,636,690 for the Vestal Rail Trail, Section 2, in the Town of Vestal, Broome County;
• $333,205 for the Walkable Monticello: Making the Connection project in the Village of Monticello, Sullivan County; and
• $564,000 for the Hancock Fitness Trail and Scenic Overlook in the Village of Hancock, Delaware County.

Greater Rochester

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $927,446 for the Downtown to School Sidewalk and Streetscape Enhancement in the Village of Medina, Orleans County;
• $896,513 for the Erie Canalways Trail Development Project in the Town of Arcadia, Wayne County; and
• $984, 550 for the Hamlet Connectivity Project in the Town of Marion, Wayne County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $523,000 for the Lehigh Valley Trail Extension and Enhancement Project in the Town of Mendon, Monroe County; and
• $3,839,000 for the ARTWalk 2, Urban Art Trail Extension in the City of Rochester, Monroe County.

Western New York

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $560,000 for the Industrial Heritage Trail in Erie County

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $3,125,000 for the Beautification, Connection and Waterway Enhancement Project in the City of Buffalo, Erie County;
• $2 million for the Union Ship Canal Promenade in Erie County; and
• $1,760,750 for the Chautauqua Children’s Safety Education Village at the Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Chautauqua County.

North Country

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $907,120 for the Alexandria Bay Riverwalk in the Village of Alexandria Bay, Jefferson County

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $1.45 million for the Potsdam Walk-Bike Enhancement Project in the Village of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County;
• $832,500 for the Village of Rouses Point Railway Station Restoration in the Village of Rouses Point, Clinton County; and
• $495,000 for the Sackets Harbor War of 1812 Bicentennial Trail in the Village of Sackets Harbor, Jefferson County.

Hudson Valley:

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $552,936 for the Kinderhook Recreational Trail, Phase II, in the Town of Kinderhook, Columbia County;
• $340,000 for the Middletown and New Jersey Railway Company Acquisition in the towns of Minisink and Wawayanda, Orange County;
• $1.6 million for the Kent Revitalization Project to improve pedestrian and bicycle access in the Town of Kent, Putnam County;
• $2.5 million for the Main-Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project, Phase II, in the Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County;
• $1,125,000 for the Annsville Circle Pedestrian Path in the Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County;
• $1,199,745 for the Croton Harmon Parking Facility Pedestrian and Bicycle Enhancements in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County; and
• $480,000 for the Wassaic Trail to the Train in the Town of Amenia in Dutchess County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $893,338 for the Gardiner Sidewalks: Gardiner Library to the Reformed Church Project in the Town of Gardiner, Ulster County; and
• $2.4 million for the Walkway Over the Hudson in the City of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County.

Long Island

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $1,260,704 for the Syosset Streetscape and Walkability Improvement Project in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County; and

• $504,680 for the Ockers Surface Water Transportation Center at the Long Island Maritime Museum, Suffolk County.

Projects to receive ARRA TEP funds:

• $3,158,632 for the Town of Riverhead Alternative Transportation Path in the Town of Riverhead, Suffolk County

New York City

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $2.5 million to enhance accessibility to Station Plaza, Queens County;
• $2.5 million for the Restoration of the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway Administration Building, Bronx County;
• $2.5 million to enhance accessibility to transit connections at Fordham Plaza, Bronx County;
• $2 million for Tillary and Adams Street Mall Enhancements, Kings County;
• $2 million for the Ninth Avenue: W 15th Street to W 23rd Street (Gansevoort to Chelsea) Project, New York County;
• $2.5 million for the West Street Greenway Project, Kings County;
• $2.5 million for the Landscaping and Scenic Beautification of the Battery Bikeway Project, New York County;
• $2.5 million for the Bronx River Greenway Connection between Birchall and Allerton Avenue, Bronx County; and
• $1,560,233 for the Hunt’s Point South Bikeway and Streetscape Improvements, Bronx County.

Statewide

Projects to receive traditional TEP funds:

• $1,814,345 for the State Preservation/Historical Information Network Redevelopment This project is through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Funding will help develop a database of archaeological, landscape and historic resources in previously undisturbed areas, to be utilized when planning new transportation projects in those areas.  The network will be available to State agencies and the public to boost compliance with state and federal laws.

Additional quotes provided in support of the Transportation Enhancement Projects:

Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn: “These federal economic recovery and traditional transportation enhancement funds supply a critical investment in significant and historical transportation-related projects that may otherwise be overlooked. Under the leadership of Governor David Paterson, NYSDOT is encouraging entities planning diverse transportation projects to consider applying for funding from this innovative federal program in the future.”

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Building and improving sidewalks, bike paths and pedestrian walkways will put thousands of New Yorkers to work, even while it creates more walkable communities.  These projects, which were made possible by the Economic Recovery Act, will both beautify our neighborhoods, spur commerce and job creation and allow us to better interact with our neighbors and surroundings.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “Investment in our local infrastructures is a key part of New York’s economic growth. Revitalizing our local walkways, bicycle paths, and transportation corridors will promote economic development, create new jobs, and promote vibrant communities for the future. I will continue to work with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer, and our entire congressional delegation to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “I commend Governor Paterson and Commissioner Glynn for applying stimulus funds to the TEP Program. It is important that as we make investments using ARRA funds, that we do so in an innovate fashion, by funding not just highway projects but nontraditional transportation programs.   And by funding the creation of greenways, trails, and bike paths we can plan a more sustainable future for New York.”

Congressman John McHugh said: “I am very pleased that federal funding is being directed to a variety of transportation projects in the 23rd Congressional District.  These projects will give local communities the resources they need to make improvements that will benefit local residents and businesses. I want to thank Governor Paterson for selecting these vitally needed initiatives for the North Country and Central New York.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said: “The infusion of these federal funds enables us to support projects that are off the beaten path like our bike routes, scenic trails, and historic sites. This investment will not only enhance our most culturally rich and scenic areas but also create jobs and boost economic activity.”

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said: “These investments in our communities’ livability will make our region an even greater place to live, work, and do business. I was pleased to have advocated successfully for transportation investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and to have helped pass this critical stimulus into law.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “I am very pleased to see the economic recovery funds we approved in Washington are being put to good use back home in New York," Congressman. All of these projects will help create or maintain jobs while improving the quality of life for New York residents.  I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Paterson to help identify additional areas where investments with federal economic recovery funds should be made.”

Congressman Michael A. Arcuri:  “I am pleased that Governor Paterson continues to invest economic recovery funds in local infrastructure projects. These projects are vital because they not only create local jobs, but help revitalize our downtowns and make our communities more inviting.  These projects will spur economic activity and create jobs, which are necessities given the current unemployment rate.  I will continue to work with the Governor and State elected officials to make sure our region’s shovel-ready priority projects receive economic recovery funds.”

Congressman John Hall said: “This transportation funding is flowing to shovel ready projects throughout our region that will create jobs and infuse millions of dollars into our local economy. The quick funding of these projects shows how by working together the federal and state governments can bring much needed support to local communities.”

Congressman Eric Massa said: “This funding will create thousands of jobs and help improve our aging infrastructure. I’d like to thank Governor Paterson for his help in ensuring that these projects will be funded. The Recovery package is all about projects like this which will create jobs, get Americans back to work, and get our economy back on the path to success once again.”