Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $97 million in funding has been awarded to more than 30 communities across New York State for projects that promote alternative, environmentally friendly modes of travel, such as walking, biking or hiking. The funding will support initiatives that improve access to the transportation system for all users, enhance safety and facilitate the use of non-motorized modes of travel that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The awards were made available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and are being administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.
“New York State is committed to the goal of creating modern transportation systems that strengthen communities and help all users, not just motorists, get where they need to go safely and efficiently,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments in alternative modes of travel will help New Yorkers leave their cars at home and make it easier to walk or bike to their destinations, which will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment.”
The Transportation Alternatives Program supports transportation-related projects that advance New York State’s commitment to a safe, accessible and connected transportation system. Funded projects include safe routes to schools, sidewalk improvements, pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements, improved access to public transportation, and trailway networks.
Funding will support 35 separate projects proposed by counties, towns, cities and villages across the state. Awards include $16.9 million for Safe Routes to School, $52.8 million to improve sidewalks and pedestrian and bicycle safety, $11 million to strengthen multimodal connections, and $16.5 million to create and expand trailway networks.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the investments expand access for all users while making communities stronger and more sustainable.
Projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that included overall project benefits and adherence to program goals. The TAP project awards amount to no less than $500,000 and no more than $7 million for any single project. NYSDOT will provide up to 80 percent of the total eligible project costs with a minimum 20 percent match provided by the project sponsor.
Regional awards include about $9 million for the Capital Region, $1.9 million for Central New York, $9.5 million for the Finger Lakes, $1.9 million for Long Island, $30.9 million for the Mid-Hudson, $7 million for the Mohawk Valley, $7 million for New York City, $9.4 million for the North Country, $9.1 million for the Southern Tier and $11.4 million for Western New York.