$178.8 million in funding to support transportation enhancements in 75 communities across NYS

Supports construction of new accessible sidewalks and shared use paths, enhances pedestrian and bicycle safety, and facilitates access to transportation system for users of all ages & abilities

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $178.8 million has been awarded to 75 communities across New York for “projects that promote environmentally friendly modes of travel and make it easier and safer to walk, bike or hike.” The funding, her team said, “will improve access to the transportation system for all users and advance New York state's nation-leading agenda to fight climate change by supporting the construction of new sidewalks, shared use paths and other enhancements that facilitate the use of non-motorized modes of travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“More than two-thirds of the projects awarded will benefit Environmental Justice Communities, thereby helping to improve connectivity, air quality and bicycle and pedestrian access for the predominantly low-and-moderate-income families living in those areas.”

"As demonstrated through the recently adopted state budget and our historic capital plan, New York continues to make unprecedented investments so we can build back stronger than ever before," Hochul said. "We're investing in strategic initiatives across the state to improve quality of life, promote economic growth, and revitalize our communities. Most importantly, by advancing mobility alternatives, these awards will provide new opportunities and remove barriers for individuals in environmental justice communities that have traditionally lacked adequate transportation access."

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado said, "New York is committed to moving projects like this forward that will not only help lower emissions using transportation alternatives, but will also mitigate traffic congestion and help improve connectivity, air quality and access for predominantly low-and-moderate-income families. This funding is a win for all regions across New York state, and it is another example of our commitment to making smart investments today that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come."

The funding, which provides up to 80% of total project costs, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. Projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process that required awardees to demonstrate how proposed activities would contribute to increasing the use of non-vehicular transportation alternatives, reduce vehicle emissions and/or mitigate traffic congestion. Combined with project sponsor contributions, these awards will leverage nearly $550 million in additional community investments.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "In our work to achieve New York's Climate Act goals, it's imperative that we are able to ensure residents, especially those in underserved areas, have options to walk, bike or use other modes of emissions-free transportation to safely go to work and access community amenities and resources. Building out and improving shared use and bike paths helps reduce harmful emissions from communities across the state, and fosters a high quality of life for all New Yorkers through fresher air, and cleaner, greener environments."

Congressman Brian Higgins said, "Projects like the one along Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst will improve safety, investments in the Tonawandas will continue the buildout and connectivity of recreational trails, and funding for electric buses will support cleaner and healthier neighborhoods. Altogether, this nearly $39 million investment in Western New York helps to build stronger communities and improve the quality of life for residents."

New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said, "As we continue to improve New York's infrastructure, it's imperative that we're making strategic investments in complete street concepts that prioritize all roadway users and ensure safety and accessibility. This dedicated funding will continue to advance New York's progressive transportation and environmental agendas, and ultimately foster sustainable, innovative communities."

Western New York will receive $38.8 million:

√ $1,490,400 to the Town of Amherst to construct sidewalk and bicycle lane improvements to Carey Road from Paradise Park to Transit Road.

√ $2,985,600 to the City of Buffalo for rehabilitation to the Scajaquada Trail from Main Street to Fillmore Avenue.

√ $791,680 to the City of Buffalo for the continuation of the Forest Avenue multiuse pathway.

√ $2,354,887 to the Town of Evans for the construction of a segment of the shoreline trail along Lake Shore Road.

√ $3,861,362 to Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to construct bus stop canopies and pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure improvements along North Division Street in the City of Buffalo.

√ $1,396,807 to the City of Olean to construct a shared use path along Olean Wayne Street.

√ $1,600,000 to the Town of Orchard Park to construct approximately sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks to improve safe routes to schools.

√ $5,000,000 to New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to construct four pedestrian bridges in Genesee Valley Greenway State Park in Allegany County.

√ $1,696,000 to the Town of Tonawanda to construct a Riverwalk multiuse pedestrian trial connecting River Road to Two Mile Creek Road.

√ $5,000,000 to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority for the purchase of Battery Electric Buses (BEB) to serve populations across Western New York.

√ $1,050,000 to the City of North Tonawanda to construct an extension to the Erie Canal Bike Path between Mayor's Park and North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens.

√ $3,448,028 to the Town of Clarence to construct sidewalk and pedestrian improvements from Main Street to Transit Road.

√ $802,707 to the Village of Williamsville to construct sidewalk and curb ramps along Main Street.

√ $5,000,000 to the Western New York Region to construct a diverging diamond interchange at the I-190 and Niagara Falls Boulevard intersections.

√ $2,368,000 to the Western New York Region to construct a new through lane, approaches, traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at Route 33-Genesee Street at Harris Hill Intersection in the Town of Lancaster, Erie County.