NYSDOT Announces $19.9 Million in Economic Recovery Transit Funding

• by New York State Department of Transportation

ALBANY, NY (09/09/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced the certification of nearly $20 million in funding for small cities and rural counties to purchase buses and upgrade transit facilities through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

"This economic-recovery funding will help people travel more freely, allowing them to go get to work, go to the grocery store and run errands that they otherwise may not have been able to do," Governor David Paterson said. "I thank President Obama and the entire New York State congressional delegation for their foresight in making millions of dollars available to support critical transit services for people whose daily lives depend on them."

The assistance is being provided only to public transportation capital projects in areas with a population of less than 50,000 people. Funding will be used to purchase 149 buses and upgrade maintenance facilities, which will improve bus reliability. It will also be used to build bus shelters and install signage to make it easier for riders unfamiliar with bus routes to locate stops.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued final approval of the projects, which NYSDOT had selected and submitted for funding.

NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said, "It is essential, especially in rural areas where few transportation options may exist, to make transit services available. We are pleased to join with Governor Paterson to use this federal economic-recovery funding to expand transit opportunities and provide travel choices for residents of rural communities across New York State."

The following statements were provided in support of rural transit funding:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "This is a great investment for New York. Upgrading public transportation will help get more cars off the road, cut emissions and improve the environment, while creating new jobs, getting more people to work and proving better accessibility for the elderly and disabled. 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 John M. McHugh said, "I thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of these projects as we work to expand public transportation options for residents in Northern and Central New York. I look forward to working with my colleagues at the state and federal levels to pursue all available funding options."

Congressman Dan Maffei said: "Transportation options need to be available in all of our communities. Recovery Act funds for public transportation are important during a recession, because we need to ensure people can continue to get to work and run their errands with reliable service. I applaud this announcement and hope the passengers CNYRTA in Cayuga County enjoy their new bus."

Congressman John Hall said, "These improvements not only make travel in New York's rural communities easier, but will also benefit the Hudson Valley economy and boost energy efficiency. I am very pleased that funds from the Recovery Act are being used to promote a greener and more prosperous future for the region."

Congressman Paul Tonko said, "These funds will help continue a critical service for those who live and do business in our smaller communities and have fewer options for public transportation. I appreciate the efforts made by Governor Paterson and the New York State Department of Transportation to direct Recovery Act funds to these necessary projects."

Congressman Eric Massa said, "During this recession, it is critical that we return a fair share of our federal dollars to our community. Investing in rural transportation is vital to improving our local economy and using these Recovery funds will help lessen costs for state and local governments. I'm proud to help deliver these funds, which are designed to help lower property taxes for the families of Western New York and the Southern Tier."

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