GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $6.1 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDING FOR HUDSON VALLEY INFRASTRUCTURE
Governor David A. Paterson today announced he has recently certified an additional $6.1 million for transportation projects in the Hudson Valley through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This critical funding will go toward much-needed highway and road repair, bridgework and other long-term improvements to the region's infrastructure and will create an estimated 146 jobs.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Governor David A. Paterson today announced he has recently certified an additional $6.1 million for transportation projects in the Hudson Valley through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ( ARRA ). This critical funding will go toward much-needed highway and road repair, bridgework and other long-term improvements to the region’s infrastructure and will create an estimated 146 jobs.
Governor Paterson’s most recent $6.1 million certification, a requirement under ARRA provisions to ensure accountability and transparency of federal economic-recovery expenditures, brings to $83.5 million the total in ARRA funding so far obligated to the Hudson Valley region.
“I want to thank President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation for their work to secure this crucial funding,” Governor Paterson said. “In funding these infrastructure projects we create jobs and make lasting improvements to roadways and bridges. These investments will get New York back on the road to economic recovery and headed toward a safer, more efficient future.”
New York State Department of Transportation ( DOT ) Executive Deputy Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “These additional federal funds for highway and bridge improvements and preventative maintenance projects will help enhance safety and extend the useful life of the Hudson Valley’s transportation infrastructure. Governor Paterson is dedicated to using these key federal funds to create and maintain jobs that are essential to strengthening New York State’s economy.”
Governor Paterson has recently certified $9.9 million in ARRA funding for projects in the Hudson Valley, which includes $6.1 million in ARRA funding. Specifically, the projects include:
$2.8 million of ARRA funding for a $6.6 million project to provide much-needed general maintenance of four bridges carrying Interstate 84 in the Town of Newburgh, Orange County. The work will extend the service life of the structures and is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. $1.1 million of ARRA funding for a project to replace guide rail at select locations in Westchester County. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. $2.2 million of ARRA funding for a project to repave approximately four miles of Route 28 between Route 212 and Route 214 in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County. The top layer of worn, deteriorated pavement will be removed and replaced with new asphalt and fresh pavement markings to extend the service life of pavement. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
Earlier this month, Governor Paterson announced that in addition to the projects receiving ARRA funding, the DOT will award $94 million in highway and bridge contracts this fiscal year and the Hudson Valley also will receive approximately $38 million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program funding, based on restoration of funds to the State budget because of ARRA. In total, Hudson Valley communities will receive almost $300 million in highway and bridge funding in State Fiscal Year 2009-10.
New York is expected to receive approximately $26.7 billion in ARRA funding over two years, which the White House estimates will create or retain 215,000 jobs. The economic recovery funds coming to New York 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 ( MPO’s ) across the State, which are comprised of local elected officials, local transit operators and members of the Department of Transportation. MPO’s vote unanimously on projects for their Transportation Improvement Program ( TIP ), and economic recovery funds will be directed to projects on those lists.
Similarly, regions of New York without MPO’s are served by the DOT, 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.
###
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The Economic Recovery Act was designed to allow us to accomplish two critical tasks: Invest in our woefully under-funded infrastructure and create jobs. These road and bridge projects will do both, creating an estimated 146 jobs in the Hudson Valley while at the same time, enhancing safety and improving travel for residents in the area. During these tough economic times, it is critical that we focus on these kinds of projects that contribute to long-term economic growth.”
U. S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “During these tough economic times, it is essential that we invest in infrastructure in the Hudson Valley. These federal dollars will go a long way to upgrade and restore infrastructure across New York State. This will create jobs across the region and promote long-term economic growth. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”
Congressman Eliot Engel said: “This rapid response by the State to get the money flowing into public works to stimulate the economy and get people working is what we in Congress intended when we passed the ARRA legislation. My congratulations to Governor Paterson on his ability to get the work started. This is a big help to the State’s economy.”
Congressman John Hall said: “Rebuilding New York’s crumbling infrastructure creates jobs that by their very nature cannot be outsourced. By working quickly and cooperatively, we are able to bring these federal tax dollars back home for good use in Hudson Valley communities. We are spending recovery funds wisely by focusing on projects that will create long term value for years to come. Fixing America's roads, bridges, and public transit will improve all of our quality of life by making our roads and bridges safer, reducing traffic delays, improving our air quality, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “I am very pleased to see the economic recovery funds we approved in Washington are being put to good use back home in the Hudson Valley. These projects will help create or maintain jobs, improve the quality of life for residents, and make the area more attractive to new businesses and visitors. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Paterson to help identify additional areas where investments with federal economic recovery funds should be made.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “These investments in our communities’ livability will make our region an even greater place to live, work, and do business. I was pleased to have advocated successfully for transportation investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and to have helped pass this critical stimulus into law.”
State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer said: “We have road and bridge repair needs in Westchester far in excess of available funds. Thanks to Governor Paterson, our Congressional Delegation, and Westchester State Legislators we are able to put these federal dollars to work in Hudson Valley road projects.”
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “I am pleased to work with Governor Paterson and President Obama to ensure American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ( ARRA ) funding for vital infrastructure repairs and enhancements is funneled to regions that need it most. Many areas of Westchester County will benefit from this funding which will, in turn, strengthen the local economy, provide much needed jobs, and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
Assemblyman Adam Bradley said: “This round of stimulus funds for transportation and infrastructure is great news for motorists throughout the Hudson Valley. Much needed work planned for our roads and bridges can now get under way. These projects will also boost the Hudson Valley economy through increased employment.”
Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky said: “Thanks to the continuing efforts of Governor Paterson we have been able to secure this additional American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which will keep New York State’s men and women working and our infrastructure strong. We are pleased that the people of Westchester County will continue to benefit from federal stimulus dollars.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said: “These projects strike an important balance between creating jobs right away and investing in projects that will help stimulate our local economies for years to come. These long overdue improvements to Route 28, the gateway to the Catskills, will enhance opportunities for both visitors and residents to enjoy all that the region has to offer.”
Assemblyman George Latimer said: “Guard rails save lives. This project is one more example of how working together cooperatively, on the federal, state and local levels, can make a difference in everyday lives. Governor Paterson is to be commended.”
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said: “With each new stimulus project, we are benefiting in two ways: we are making our roads, bridges and highways safer for our residents here in Westchester County and we are creating or maintaining jobs. Westchester's infrastructure is aging and in constant need of costly repairs and upgrades. The stimulus money will be well used.”
Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow said: “I agree with the Governor in thanking our federal colleagues for working to secure funding in NYS which will create jobs and upgrade our infrastructure.”
Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados said: “This additional funding will go a long way toward improving the Hudson Valley’s economic standing as well as the safety of our roadways and bridges. I look forward to seeing the results, including the maintenance of four bridges along Interstate 84 in the Town of Newburgh, which should be completed by the end of the year. But most significantly, the plan will create nearly 150 jobs in the Hudson Valley while ensuring that our highways are safe and in good condition for years to come.”
Assemblyman Mike Spano said: “This funding will create jobs and make businesses more competitive in Westchester County, putting us on the road to economic recovery. I cannot thank the federal delegation enough for making this invaluable investment in our county's infrastructure.”
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said: “The Route 28 corridor is the critical transportation link to the Catskills and all they have to offer. This route serves as the connection to the western part of the County and impacts tourism, commerce and a significant number of residents. I am proud to see stimulus money going towards this incredibly important project. These monies will create jobs for those doing work and ensure that local businesses which are an important part of Ulster County’s economy remain viable. This project delivers on both major goals for which the stimulus plan was intended: it puts people to work immediately and Ulster County is left with a stronger infrastructure. I applaud Governor Paterson for his actions and look forward to continued interactions for the benefit of the people of Ulster County.”
Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said: “This funding will not only make our roadways safer by installing new guide rails, but will create jobs that put people back to work. That is what stimulus funding was designed to do and we are thank our federal representatives for supporting worthy projects.”
###
Release Date
This story was released on 2009-05-04. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
