State Will Fund $1.5 Million for New Pedestrian, Bicycle Connections in Nyack

A project to improve path and trail connectivity in Nyack is getting a $1,484,650 grant through the state of New York from the Federal Highway Administration.

It is one of 68 bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation projects getting funding, out of about 135 that applied.

In all about $70 million in grants will leverage a total investment of $103.7 million, to promote walking and biking, and boost tourism and economic development opportunities in dozens of communities across New York.

“Making our communities more walkable, bicycle-friendly and welcoming will ensure Rockland residents can enjoy local attractions and tourists can experience the county’s natural beauty,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, Westchester, Rockland) in a press release. ”I have been working hard to secure more federal infrastructure investments that make it easier and safer for New Yorkers to travel throughout the Lower Hudson Valley.”

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.

The grant program provides up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, with the remaining share coming from the project sponsor.

Here’s what’s coming through this program to the Hudson Valley

• · Village of Nyack: New Connectivities for Nyack: $1,484,650
  · Village of Kaser: Saddle River Road Pedestrian Sidewalk: $258,572
  · Town of Mamaroneck: Weaver Street (Route 125) Sidewalk Extension: $315,728
  · Village of Wesley Hills: East Willow Street Sidewalk Improvements: $1,028,175
  · Town of Ramapo: Route 306 Pedestrian Sidewalk: $1,265,000
  · Putnam County: Kent Revitalization: $1,600,000
  · Town of Hyde Park: Route 9 Redesign: $676,000
  · Town of Red Hook: Sidewalk Project: $733,824
  · City of Beacon: Main Street Accessibility Improvements: $958,064
  · Village of New Paltz: Village Sidewalks: Huguenot Street, Church Street, Prospect Street, and Henry DuBois Drive: $201,628
  · Ulster County: Hudson Valley Rail Trail West: Phase 4 - New Paltz Road to South Street: $1,595,123
  · Village of Wappingers Falls: Wappingers Falls Village Center Pedestrian Safety Project: $699,400

“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,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said in the press release. “Governor Cuomo has shown a historic commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure in New York State, including making bicycle and pedestrian safety a priority.”