October 27, 2014
ALBANY, NY (October 27, 2014) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced today that it was awarded $1.6 million dollars in federal funding that will be used to improve infrastructure along the proposed River Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The River Corridor will stretch 15 miles along major segments of NYS Route 32 and Route 4 through the communities along the Hudson River from downtown Albany to Waterford.
The funding awarded to CDTA is part of approximately $70 million in awards to fund 68 bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation projects in New York. The projects, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and which leverage a total investment of $103.7 million, will promote walking and biking, and boost tourism and economic development opportunities in dozens of communities across the state.
"These projects will help communities become more walkable and bicycle friendly, as well as show off the natural beauty that exists in every corner of this state,” Governor Cuomo said. “I thank the Federal Highway Administration and our representatives for helping the state secure this funding so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy New York like never before."
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.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said, "We are investing in projects that meet the increasing public demand for walkable and bikeable communities, while promoting sustainable transportation alternatives, tourism and recreation, and local and regional economic development. Governor Cuomo has shown a historic commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure in New York State, including making bicycle and pedestrian safety a priority."
The funds are made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration and are administered by the State Department of Transportation. The program provides up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, with the remaining share coming from the project sponsor. The funds are dedicated for strategic investments in transportation alternatives and with a local sponsor match of more than $33.6 million, support a total investment of nearly $103.7 million.
The projects announced today were chosen through a competitive solicitation process and rated on established criteria that included public benefit and community support for the project; connectivity to an existing transportation system; how well the proposed improvements benefit walking and bicycling; impact on local or regional economies; availability of matching funds; and ability to deliver the project within federally required timeframes. 135 applications were received.
Selected projects relate to one or more of the following categories: on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation; infrastructure-related projects and systems that provide safe routes for non-drivers to access daily needs; use of abandoned railroad corridors for surface-transportation related trails; scenic byway turnouts and viewing areas; safe routes to school; construction of boulevards and complete streets thoroughfares; and storm water management related to highway runoff.
The projects that are funded in the Capital Region include:
• Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA): Pedestrian Improvements for Public Transit in Albany, Troy and Cohoes: $1,600,000
• City of Schenectady: Central Park – Downtown Schenectady Trail Connection: $1,101,206
• City of Glens Falls: Fire Road, Crandall Park and Kensington Road Elementary School Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements: $480,000
• City of Saratoga Springs: Geyser Road-Spa State Park Bicycle-Pedestrian Trail: $1,600,000
To read the full press release visit the Governor’s website at http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/10272014Bicycle-Pedestrian-Projects
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ABOUT CDTA: The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) was created in 1970 by the New York State Legislature as a public benefit corporation to provide regional transportation services by rail, bus, water and air. CDTA is the premier mobility provider in the Capital Region, providing local, express, commuter and bus rapid transit services. CDTA owns and operates the Rensselaer Rail and Saratoga Springs Train Stations. Today, nearly 650 people work to deliver a transit system that transports nearly 60,000 customers each weekday.
