Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster to Get Transit Funding from Feds, State

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced $59.3 million in state and federal funding for upstate transit authorities and small urban, rural, tribal and intercity bus public transportation systems -- including in Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

The funding will be used to purchase new buses and related equipment and support transit infrastructure improvements, employment services and operating assistance in rural areas across the State.

“Strong and reliable public transportation systems are critical to supporting growth in every corner of New York,” Cuomo said in his Thursday announcement. “With this funding, we are helping to modernize our transportation infrastructure, which in turn will open the door to more opportunities for residents and businesses, and continue moving regional economies forward.”

Provided through grants from the Federal Transit Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, the funding is being awarded to 51 transit systems, including: 38 municipalities; three transportation authorities; one tribal nation and nine intercity bus operators serving rural areas throughout the State.

“My neighbors in the Hudson Valley rely on public transit – like Metro North – to get to school, work, and other everyday activities," said Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "I thank Governor Cuomo for his investment of nearly a million dollars to Orange, Putnam, and Dutchess counties to offset the cost of public transit systems which are essential to our community’s safety, health, and local economy.”

Mid-Hudson

• $183,000 to Dutchess County for operating assistance.
• $604,000 to Orange County for operating assistance.
• $168,000 to Putnam County for operating assistance.
• $78,000 to Sullivan County for operating assistance.
• $534,000 to Ulster County for operating assistance and the purchase of one bus.

A full list of counties, cities upstate regional transportation authorities, tribal nations and intercity bus operators receiving this year’s FTA rural transit grants is available here.

Grant awardees will receive $36.8 million in transit capital grants and $22.5 million in operating assistance. This $59.3 million investment will leverage more than $85.3 million in new projects.

The grants are expected to be used to purchase 212 new clean-fuel vehicles, representing approximately 20 percent of the total rural transit fleet. In addition, this funding will support vehicle maintenance and storage facility rehabilitation and modernization; enhanced passenger amenities such as shelters, communication systems and security; and provide mobility management services.

PHOTO/Adam E. Moreira via Wikimedia Commons