$250 million in new funding, provided through the Governor's Bridge NY initiative, will be used to to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts statewide.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the availability of $250 million in enhanced assistance for local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts statewide. This new funding, provided through the Governor's Bridge NY initiative, adds to the $200 million announced by the Governor in 2016 for similar local projects. More than 125 bridges and culverts in 96 communities are being rehabilitated or replaced with the initial funding.

“Investing in New York's infrastructure is key to increasing our economic competitiveness now, as well as future growth,” Cuomo said. “As the Bridge NY program continues to help communities across the state improve safety and reliability of bridges and roads, I am encouraging all local governments to apply for funding to help enhance our transportation infrastructure for the 21st century workforce.”

Bridge NY grants are now available to all municipalities authorized to receive and administer state and federal transportation funding. Awards will be made through a competitive process and will support all phases of project development, including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction. Evaluations will be based on the structural condition of a bridge or culvert and its resiliency and significance, based upon traffic volumes, detour considerations, the number and types of businesses served and the overall impact on commerce.

The Bridge NY program provides emphasis on projects that address poor structural conditions; mitigate weight restrictions or long detours; facilitate economic development or increase competitiveness; and/or reduce the risk of flooding.

Applications for funding will be accepted Jan. 25 through April 13, 2018 for culverts, and April 27, 2018 for bridges.

With the addition of this new funding, New York State is providing more than $1.4 billion for this fiscal year for regionally derived, locally administered road and bridge projects. The Bridge NY program is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation as part of the state's $29 billion Transportation Plan.

Paul A. Karas, Department of Transportation acting commissioner said, “New York State's economy relies upon the strength of our transportation system, both state and local assets. Governor Cuomo's Bridge NY program is encouraging smart investments in critical local bridges and culverts, helping to make sure that people and goods get where they need to go.”

For more information, visit dot.ny.gov/bridgeny.

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