August 4, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $37.9 MILLION ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROJECT TO RECONSTRUCT LONG ISLAND’S ROUTE 112
More than $1.5 Billion in Recovery Funds Directed to Long Island
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the start of construction on a $37.9 million project to reconstruct Long Island’s State Route 112. The project, funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will significantly improve the roadway. The Governor, Congressman Timothy H. Bishop and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stan Gee and other elected officials, labor and community leaders, took part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the Coram Fire Department in Suffolk County. The Governor then joined the participants in presenting a piece of the original roadway to Coram Fire Department Commissioner Tom Lyon, whose father helped build Route 112 almost 80 years ago.
The renovation of State Route 112 is one of 34 transportation infrastructure projects approved for Long Island, investing more than $206 million in stimulus funds in State and local highway and mass transit improvements. In addition to these transportation funds, almost $1.5 billion in economic recovery dollars has already been directed to Long Island communities, organizations and institutions through 145 individual projects and the provision of ARRA funds.
“Combined with the other 33 highway and mass transit infrastructure projects that have already been approved for Long Island, we are building a stronger, safer infrastructure for future generations while also creating jobs and stimulating the economy,” Governor Paterson said. “But there is much more to stimulus than just transportation spending. In fact, almost $1.5 billion in total stimulus funds have already been allocated to Long Island, with more to come. I want to thank President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation for their initiative and dedication to bringing economic recovery funding to the State.”
More than three miles of State Route 112 will undergo reconstruction to improve commuter safety, as well as encourage the use of green transportation options. The project has several components, including: the replacement of 79-year-old pavement; the installation of center turning lanes to increase mobility; and the construction of raised center medians to better maintain traffic flows and increase safety. The inclusion of new bike lanes, sidewalks, bus stops and shelters will encourage the use of energy-efficient transportation use – whether through biking or Suffolk County Transit. The project will also provide for new landscaping and storm-water-runoff filtration systems that will enhance both environmental and aesthetic qualities. The project, which was awarded to Bove Industries, Inc. of East Setauket in Suffolk County, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011. To mitigate traffic and construction delays, work will be scheduled for evenings and off-peak travel hours.
The project has received a silver rating under NYSDOT GreenLITES (Green Leadership In Transportation Environmental Stability) program, which seeks to increase the use of environmental sustainability concepts in transportation projects.
Congressman Timothy H. Bishop said: “Route 112 has well served millions of Long Islanders over the decades, but these upgrades are clearly needed to improve the safety of drivers and to encourage economic growth in the region. By investing today in our roads and highways, we are creating jobs, improving public safety and building a modern infrastructure that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stan Gee said: “This major reconstruction project is one of many DOT projects that will improve the transportation system and bring jobs to communities on Long Island. I thank Governor Paterson for bringing critical economic recovery funding for transportation to New York State.”
Assemblyman Steve Englebright said: “The NYSDOT should be congratulated for planning to transform Route 112 into a modern, user-friendly arterial. This vision has been a community priority for years. The new bikeways, sidewalks, raised medians and other safety features will be both attractive and utilitarian. With these investments and improvements in place, local property values should increase and citizens will likely feel better about living near and using daily this highway link to so many neighborhoods.”
The economic recovery funds coming to New York State 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 are candidates for economic recovery funds. The State Route 112 reconstruction project was approved by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council to be eligible to receive ARRA funding.
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 worked with local officials and the Governor’s Economic Recovery Cabinet to identify 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 State Route 112 reconstruction project:
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said: “There is nothing more important than safety on the roadways across Long Island and this funding will go a long way in ensuring Route 112 is as safe as can be. Investing money in transportation infrastructure projects, such as this one, will not only create jobs and boost the local economy, it will improve the commutes for thousands of Long Islanders. I am proud to have fought for this Recovery Act money for Long Island and will continue to work hard to see that Long Island gets the funding it deserves.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is the right investment for Long Island. 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.”
Senator John Flanagan said: “This project will create sorely needed jobs, improve travel for motorists, open up new environmentally-friendly transportation uses and begin to rebuild Long Island’s infrastructure and that makes this project a winner for everyone. I applaud Congressman Bishop for his efforts to deliver the money needed for this project and thank Governor Paterson for making sure that money was put to good use for our region.”
Senator Brian X. Foley, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said: “As a former Brookhaven Town Supervisor, I am very pleased with the start of construction on Route 112, which will not only stimulate our local economy but also deliver safer transportation infrastructure for our residents. This major project will mean real jobs and opportunities for Long Islanders and help uplift working-families struggling under the current economic slowdown. Together, we will turn the page on this recession and build a stronger, safer Long Island.”
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said: “The improvements being made along Route 112 will serve to make this roadway safer and more aesthetically enjoyable for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. I am pleased that this project will not only create jobs, but that the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) has given consideration to businesses along this corridor in scheduling the construction during the evening and off-peak hours. It is my hope that as this project moves forward the DOT will continue to accommodate local businesses when scheduling construction.”
Assemblyman Marc Alessi said: “I am so excited that construction is finally starting on Route 112. These much-needed improvements will go a long way toward keeping travelers safe while helping to protect our environment. I will continue to fight to for Suffolk County to get the funding that we deserve so that we can continue investing in projects like this one.”
Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington said: “The reconstruction of Route 112 is exactly the type of project the federal stimulus money should be used for – making vital infrastructure improvements and putting people to work. This investment will ensure our community continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko said: “The reconstruction of Route 112 is vital to upgrading Brookhaven Town’s infrastructure. These much-needed improvements will facilitate traffic flow, and enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians for the 20,000 Brookhaven residents who use Route 112 everyday. Restoring our roadways and creating well-paying jobs leads to a stronger, more prosperous Brookhaven Town.”
Long Island Contractors Association Chairman and former President of the Associated General Contractors of America – NY Chapter James J. Pratt, III, said: “It is clear to those who wear hard hats and to those who drive our roadways, Governor Paterson is making our infrastructure a personal priority. It is a message that is being heard in Albany, among members of our industry and, at the end of the day, by the taxpayer. On behalf of the men and women who build our roads and bridges, and all those in commerce who need to get people and products from here to there, we are grateful that the Governor is breaking down the red tape that separates Long Island from economic recovery.”
Association for a Better Long Island Executive Director Desmond Ryan said: “A renewed Route 112 will serve our community, its residents and visitors well. I am glad to see that the stimulus funds appropriated to New York are put to use throughout the State and here on Long Island, to fund the projects that matter.”
Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Savastano said: “The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Route 112 widening project as we look to the future in hopes this will keep the traffic moving smoothly and make it safer to turn into the local businesses. To those using the Route 112 corridor we ask please use caution and please continue to patronize those businesses on Route 112 for they will still be open while the project is under way.”
