GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $33.1 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDING FOR NEW YORK CITY TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Economic Recovery Investments to Create an Estimated 794 Jobs
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the certification of an additional $33.1 million for transportation projects in New York City through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These investments will provide for essential highway and bridge repairs and other long-term improvements that will create an estimated 794 jobs. The area is expected to receive $313.9 million in economic recovery funding for road and bridge work in Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond counties.
“Thanks to President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation, we have been able to utilize this significant economic recovery funding to rehabilitate numerous roads and bridges that otherwise may not have received immediate improvements,” Governor Paterson said. “We will make needed repairs to a New York Icon, the Brooklyn Bridge, increasing safety and improving traffic conditions. With these funds, we have succeeded in both creating and maintaining jobs in communities across the State and in moving New York’s economy toward recovery.”
The following projects were certified:
Earlier this year, Governor Paterson announced that in addition to the ARRA funding, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will award New York City $382 million in highway and bridge contracts this fiscal year. The area also will receive approximately $75 million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program funding, which the recovery funds enabled to be restored to this level in the state budget. In total, New York City communities will receive more than $771 million in highway and bridge funding in State Fiscal Year 2009-10.
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 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 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. For more information, please visit: http://recovery.ny.gov/.
The following quotes were provided in support of the New York City economic recovery projects:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Investing in road and bridge projects across the five boroughs is just what New York City needs because it creates jobs and updates our aged infrastructure. These necessary upgrades and improvements will go a long way in ensuring the safety of New Yorkers and anyone who travels through this great city. I am proud to have worked so hard to secure this money and see it put to such good use.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is the right investment for New York City. These federal dollars will help create new good-paying jobs, upgrade infrastructure and help rebuild our economy. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Congressman Michael E. McMahon said: “Yet another win for Staten Island and Brooklyn. The economic recovery funds announced today will replace the dilapidated signs along the expressways in both boroughs. This is just one more step in the direction of repairing our roadways and easing the commute of all New Yorkers. I commend the Governor for his continued, insightful distribution of funds.”
Congressman Ed Towns said: “As a co-sponsor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, I am happy that the Brooklyn Bridge is a beneficiary. Once referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world,’ the Brooklyn Bridge has long symbolized the innovation, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit that is New York. With the planned upgrades, we not only help to alleviate some of the traffic congestion, but we also preserve one of New York State’s most valuable treasures.”
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said: “Under the Recovery Act, New York City gets $5 billion in aid, and the State is moving quickly to put those funds to use. New Yorkers are being put back to work repairing and rebuilding our City’s infrastructure, including these latest projects to fix up the Brooklyn Bridge and increase safety on our roads.”
NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “The essential improvements being made to these highways and bridges are providing the people of the New York State with a safer and more reliable transportation system. Governor Paterson’s commitment to implementing these funds to both eligible state and local projects will create construction jobs and help reestablish the State’s economy.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “It is critical that we continue to invest in these projects that employ skilled workers and boost our local economy. President Obama and our Congressional Delegation are to be commended for making these commitments and providing the resources necessary to see these projects through.”
Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair Senate Transportation Committee, said: “I am pleased with Governor Paterson's announcement of an additional $33 million of funding for bridge rehabilitation projects and highway improvements in all five boroughs of New York City - particularly those monies dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Bridge. These additional funds will not only provide for a more resilient and safe transportation infrastructure, but will also create nearly 800 new jobs. I would like to commend our congressional delegation and the New York State Department of Transportation for their work to certify and allocate these critical funds. Each wave of funding creates jobs and helps get New York City’s economy back on track.”
Senator Shirley Huntley said: “With the securing of federal stimulus funds, New York State will now have the opportunity to improve many of its highways and bridges. These local and state projects will have an economical impact on the residents of Queens and New York State. Job growth and intra-state commerce will provide employment and generate increased business revenue. Improvements to the transportation infrastructure of Queens is vital to the safety of our community and to the prosperity of our residents economically.”
Senator Jeff Klein said: “This critical funding will not only create essential jobs at a time when they're needed most, but make vital infrastructure improvements that will keep New York 's bridges and roadways safe and efficient for years to come.”
Senator Bill Perkins said: “These stimulus funds are a necessary step to help improve roads and bridges in the community, as well as create much needed jobs at a time when job loss is at a historical high. Simply put, this is the right plan at the right time.”
Senator Diane J. Savino said: “There is no better way to begin rebuilding our economy than by funding shovel ready projects, while at the same time providing much-needed improvements to our transportation infrastructure.”
Assemblyman Michael Cusick said: “This funding will help us make essential improvements to our transportation infrastructure as well as provide much needed jobs. It’s a win-win.”
Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell, Jr., said: “During these hard economic times, keeping our working people employed is one of the most effective things government can do. As Chairman of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I am regularly updated on our State’s shrinking employment figures. Because of this, I am glad to see that federal stimulus funds will be used to give our citizens the opportunity to support themselves. A great deal of credit is deserved by President Obama and New York State’s federal representatives for recognizing the value of public works as a social safety net.”
Assemblywoman Margaret Markey said: “Thanks to the Governor and our Congressional Delegation, this funding will put New Yorkers to work and it promises to improve traffic conditions on our roadways.”
Assemblywoman Joan Millman said: “On behalf of the numerous drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians that cross the Brooklyn Bridge daily, I thank President Barack Obama and the New York Congressional Delegation for providing stimulus funding to help maintain this cherished landmark. With this funding, ramps leading to the bridge will be widened and the entire bridge will get a fresh coat of paint by 2010.”
Assemblyman Mark S. Weprin said: “I am pleased to see federal stimulus dollars coming into our community. The replacement of highway sign panels that have lost reflectivity is a safety improvement as well.”