New York Governor Paterson Announces $135 Million In Stimulus Funding For Transportation Projects Across The State

Total Economic Recovery Investment for Road and Bridge Projects in Region Reaches $43.3 Million

May 21, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced the certification of an additional $135.3 million for highway and bridge improvements through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding will allow 48 new projects to move forward, creating an estimated 3,247 jobs across the State, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of ARRA-certified transportation projects to 174 at a cost of $680.9 million, of which the federal stimulus package has provided $522.9 million.

“These investments in our worn infrastructure help us improve our public works systems while also reinvigorating strained local economies and creating jobs for New Yorkers. With these certifications, we are achieving what President Obama and our Congressional Delegation intended with the economic recovery legislation,” Governor Paterson said. “I am pleased that in rebuilding our bridges and repaving our roadways, we help to move our State forward on the road to economic recovery.”

Some of the projects in today’s certification announcement include:

* $7.6 million in ARRA funding for a project to resurface State Route 17 between Pumpelly Creek in the Village of Owego and the Broome County Line in the Town of Owego, Tioga County. The top layer of 42 miles of worn, deteriorated pavement will be removed and replaced with new asphalt and fresh pavement markings. Guide rail also will be upgraded. Construction is expected to be completed in August 2010;

* $27.5 million in ARRA funding to repair and resurface approximately 45 miles of pavement on highways in Bronx, New York and Queens counties. In Bronx County, work will be done on the Major Deegan Expressway southbound lanes from the Mosholu Parkway to Fordham Road and on the Bruckner Expressway northbound lanes from the Cross Bronx Expressway to the Throgs Neck Expressway. In New York County, work will be performed on the Henry Hudson Parkway northbound lanes from 181st Street to Dyckman Street and on the Harlem River Drive in both directions from the Macombs Dam Bridge to the Trans-Manhattan Expressway. In Queens County, resurfacing will be done on the Long Island Expressway in both directions from the Grand Central Parkway to the Clearview Expressway. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2011; and

* $7.7 million of ARRA funding for reconstruction of 19th Street in the City of Watervliet in Albany County. 19th Street carries State Route 2 through the city between the Congress Street Bridge and the city line and serves as the major east/west artery with direct connections to Interstate 87, Interstate 787 and the City of Troy. The project is scheduled for completion in the winter of 2010.

The economic recovery funds New York will receive for transportation projects must follow the same process required for distributing all federal transportation funds. The funds are 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 New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) representatives. MPOs vote unanimously on projects for their Transportation Improvement Program, and the projects then are eligible to receive economic-recovery funds.

Similarly, regions of New York State without MPOs are served by the NYSDOT, which consults with local elected officials and selects projects for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The department is working with local officials and the Governor’s Economic Recovery Cabinet to identify priority shovel-ready projects eligible for recovery funds.

The following quotes were provided in support of the statewide economic recovery projects:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The recovery package was designed to jumpstart the economy by creating and retaining jobs, and these federal dollars will go a long way toward achieving that goal by breaking ground on these long neglected infrastructure projects. This is the best way to put federal dollars to work for our local economy because it will modernize infrastructure, create jobs and promote economic development across State.”

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 roads and bridges throughout the State is great news for the safety of our residents and for continued economic recovery. More than just making needed upgrades to 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.”

Congressman Michael Arcuri said: “I am pleased that Governor Paterson continues to invest economic recovery funds we voted for in Congress in local infrastructure projects. These projects will spur economic activity and create and save 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 Tim Bishop said: “I voted to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act because job creation and economic development are top priorities for our State. These new Recovery Act projects will create jobs and improve public safety on our roads.”

Congressman Eliot Engel said: “This is the premise of the stimulus program, to select projects that will enhance communities throughout the State and start them as soon as possible to get people working. Governor Paterson is to be congratulated for getting these projects developed and started so rapidly. When we in Congress passed this legislation, this is what we wanted to achieve.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “Funds from the economic recovery bill we passed in Washington are making a real difference. This federal funding will pay for important transportation upgrades that will improve the quality of life for residents and make our roadways more suitable for business activities and economic growth. I was very pleased to help pass the economic recovery bill in Congress and am pleased with the positive impact it is having throughout New York. I look forward to working with Governor Paterson to identify additional projects that could benefit from economic recovery funds.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “These projects will create jobs in our area while helping motorists travel more safely and easily. I am pleased the federal stimulus is delivering these direct benefits to our region.”

Congressman Eric Massa said: “I’m proud to help introduce even more job creating recovery projects to our State. I voted for the stimulus package because every dollar spent is focused on creating good jobs and getting our economy back on track. I look forward to making more announcements like this in the near future.”

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “I am pleased that Governor Paterson has certified important projects that will help improve our transportation infrastructure. This funding will help rehabilitate badly deteriorated roads, repair aging and failing drainage systems and improve dated motorist information signs. These projects will help to create jobs, boost our local economy and bring much needed improvements to major roadways and thoroughfares throughout the State. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Paterson to continue to find ways to rebuild our infrastructure and economy.”

Congressman John M. McHugh said: “I am very pleased that federal funding is being directed to a variety of transportation projects throughout the State. These projects provide local communities with 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 New York.”

Congressman Scott Murphy said: “These critical recovery funds will provide significant upgrades and improvements to the State’s infrastructure, not only helping to keep our residents safe but creating much needed jobs to restore our economy. I thank Governor Paterson for acting quickly, and look forward to continuing to work with President Obama, the entire congressional delegation and Governor Paterson to implement the ARRA and put people back to work.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said: “These economic recovery funds will enable us to not only create jobs but also improve our roads and infrastructure. By repairing our highways and bridges, we will spur job creation, keep our infrastructure safe and strong, and invest in the future of our State.”

Congressman Paul D. Tonko said: “I appreciate how quickly Governor Paterson is moving to certify these projects and get the stimulus dollars flowing into our communities. These projects will lead to a better outcome during this difficult time by fixing our roads and bridges, boosting our local economies, and providing badly needed jobs.”

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “The federal funding we are announcing today is a vital investment in the State’s transportation infrastructure. Governor Paterson has been a leader in selecting projects quickly and efficiently so we can ramp up construction and put New Yorkers back to work.”

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith said: “The quick and decisive steps of the Governor and our State delegation in identifying priority transportation and infrastructure projects across New York will put our State back on the road to economic recovery. Job creation and protection, as well as sound economic development is absolutely essential to our long-term economic growth. I applaud the Governor and thank President Obama for their support of these projects, which will help New York maintain its status as the Empire State.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “It is crucial we make improvements such as these to critical components of our infrastructure. These projects not only will improve transportation around the state, but will employ skilled workers and boost local economies. 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: “This is smart growth at work. It’s what New York needs economically and addresses our road, bridge and mass transit infrastructure needs. With this latest round of investments, we will put more than 1,100 people to work from which we will almost instantly benefit. Thank you Governor Paterson, State Department of Transportation and Congressional Delegation for your efforts.”

Assemblyman David Gantt, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said: “New York residents rely on roadways, railways, ports and aviation systems. Ensuring the safety and efficiency of these programs is a major priority in the Assembly Majority. The critical hard-fought economic stimulus funding was secured to help local governments in financing construction, reconstruction and improvements to highways and bridges.”

Source: New York Governor