A project in the town of Lake George is among 63 bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation enhancement projects that will get some of the $67 million in state funding.<\/p>\n
The funds are being doled out to encourage tourism and economic development opportunities across the state. Officials said the projects include the addition of accessible sidewalks, improved pedestrian access to public transportation services, construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the preservation and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use.<\/p>\n
In Lake George, Route 9 streets improvements are earmarked for $1.1 million, state officials said.
\n“We are modernizing New York state’s transportation system while making it safer,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “From building new facilities for bicycles and pedestrians to supporting historic highway programs, these projects will provide new tourism and recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors. We will continue to upgrade New York’s infrastructure to expand tourism and economic development while improving our communities.”<\/p>\n
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said the funding demonstrates the state’s sustained commitment to investing in bicycle and pedestrian safety efforts to improve the livability of communities statewide.<\/p>\n
The funds are made available to the state through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and are administered by NYSDOT. The funds cover 80 percent of the cost of each project, with the remaining 20 percent coming from the project sponsor.<\/p>\n
The funds are dedicated for strategic investments in transportation alternatives. With the 20 percent local match, these projects will support a total investment of $96.5 million. The selected projects are required to address one or more of the following categories:<\/p>\n
Facilities for bicycles and pedestrians; scenic or historic highway programs; landscaping and other beautification initiatives; preservation of abandoned railway corridors, including their conversion and use as pedestrian and bicycle trails; and environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reducing vehicle-caused wildlife mortality.<\/p>\n
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Despite attempts in Congress to cut funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, I fought alongside many of my colleagues to maintain our federal commitment to projects like those being announced today. Investing in bicycle and pedestrian projects not only improves safety for cyclists and pedestrians, but promotes tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development, enhancing the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers.”<\/p>\n
The projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated on established criteria that included environmental enhancement to and for the transportation system; connectivity to an existing transportation system; encouragement of smart growth; impact on local or regional economies; availability of matching funds; and level of community support.<\/p>\n
“New Yorkers clearly want more opportunities to walk and bike and these grants are going to help them do that,” said Robin Dropkin, executive director of parks and trails New York. “We are pleased that so many communities will now have the resources to build the trails, sidewalks, and other active transportation infrastructure that will foster revitalization of main streets, attract tourism dollars, and ensure that all New Yorkers are more physically active and thus enjoy better mental and physical health.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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