Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Wednesday announced $112.2 million in funding has been awarded to 81 projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and improve air quality across New York. Funding supports projects that include multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new accessible sidewalks that adhere to regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, improved access to public transportation, and enhanced roadway safety.

"This funding is critical to enhancing our infrastructure and paving the way for both pedestrian and bicycle travel," Governor Cuomo said. "By improving roadway safety and increasing access to healthy transportation alternatives, we are providing both residents and visitors a chance to experience the state's natural beauty like never before, while supporting a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come."

The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. Selected through a competitive solicitation process, awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both. Including additional public and private funding, these projects will leverage nearly $233 million in construction and operational enhancements that will improve air quality, promote walking and biking, expand public transportation access, and boost tourism across the state.

Ithaca was among the winners in the Southern Tier with $8.4 million awarded to the region.

• $1,182,000 to the Town of Ithaca for sidewalk improvements.
• $1,400,902 to the City of Ithaca for pedestrian, bicycle and transit access improvements.
• $3,132,000 to the City of Elmira to rehabilitate the Lake Street Bridge to accommodate pedestrians, bicycles and other non-motorized users.
• $361,920 to Schuyler County for pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
• $1,102,950 to the Village of North Hornell for pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
• $400,800 to Broome County for sidewalk improvements.
• $525,200 to the Town of Vestal to install new ADA compliant sidewalks and crosswalk upgrades.
• $319,120 to the Village of Sherburne for pedestrian bridge and sidewalk improvements.

$13.1 million went to the Capital Region; $5.5 million to Central New York; $17.8 million to the Finger Lakes; $2.2 million to Long Island; $22.6 million to the Mid-Hudson region; $1.4 million to Mohawk valley; $16.1 million to New york City; and $4.9 million to the North Country.

"This massive federal investment will help New York State make important upgrades for pedestrians and bicyclists and, in turn, encourage New Yorkers to travel more by bike or by foot," said Senator Charles E. Schumer. "Increased biking and walking is good for our collective hearts and lungs; it also reduces congestion and helps boost the economy. These transportation improvements demonstrate the types of important local projects that can only be accomplished with direct public investment."

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