Gov. Cuomo Announces $57.7M for 136 Rural Projects

Mon July 09, 2018 - Northeast Edition #14
Gov. Cuomo’s Office

$57.7 million in state and federal funding will be utilized for 136 rural public transportation projects. statewide. (NY.gov photo)

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced $57.7 million in state and federal funding for 136 rural public transportation projects statewide. The initiative will support rural public transportation operations; help local communities procure new clean-fuel, ADA accessible buses and related equipment; enhance coordination between local transportation agencies through mobility management and employment services; and construct new transit-related infrastructure, including facilities, passenger shelters and technology enhancements.

“Transportation infrastructure is the lifeblood of our economy and the key to future growth,” Cuomo said. “This funding will bolster upstate mobility operations and help ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their location, will have a transportation infrastructure they can rely on.”

“As chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, I have seen how New York's investment in infrastructure has transformed our Upstate economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “This latest infusion of funding for new buses and transportation-related projects in communities across the state will go a long way toward modernizing transit systems and ensuring all New Yorkers have easy access to public transportation.”

The funding will be administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and supported through grants from the Federal Transit Administration. In all, funds will be awarded to 51 program participants including, 39 municipalities, three transportation authorities, one tribal nation and eight intercity bus operators serving rural areas throughout the state. Collectively, these services support more than five million passenger trips annually and provide a vital role in the rejuvenation of the state's upstate towns and villages.

Recipients of this funding will receive $34.3 million for vehicle replacement and infrastructure renewal projects and $23.4 million to support service operations. This $57.7 million in new state and federal investments will leverage nearly $85 million in rural transportation improvements across the state.

The capital funds awarded under this initiative will accelerate the deployment of 162 new clean-fuel ADA accessible vehicles, replacing and modernizing approximately 19 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.

“With today's investment, we are able to support essential public transportation services that enhance mobility and strengthen communities by modernizing buses, facilities and other related capital equipment and improving services,” said Paul A. Karas, New York State Department of Transportation acting commissioner. “Public transportation investment is a key component of a strong local economies throughout New York.”

“Today's announcement ensures that funding will be available to rural communities across the state for critically important infrastructure and transportation improvements,” said Senator Joe Robach, chair of the Transportation Committee. “Public transportation is vital to the economic well-being of communities and this funding will to help to make certain that New York State is continuing to work towards a modern, 21st century infrastructure and transit system for all its residents.”

“Transportation is the life blood of local communities across New York State. These grants will bolster local transportation networks, while breathing new life into the state's economy and helping its citizens reach their destinations safely every day,” said Assemblyman David Gantt, chair of the Committee on Transportation.

A full list of projects by region is available below:

Capital Region

$1 million in funding to support operating assistance; fleet renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Columbia, Greene and Rensselaer counties:

$148,000 in operating assistance in Columbia County;
$239,000 in operating assistance, $267,000 to purchase four transit buses to expand services and $256,000 for projects that support mobility in Greene County; and
$127,000 in operating assistance in Rensselaer County.

Mohawk Valley

$9.9 million in funding to support operating assistance; transit capital projects; fleet, facility and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie counties; and in the cities of Gloversville and Oneonta:

$606,000 in operating assistance; $189,000 for transit technology equipment and facility maintenance; and $145,000 for projects that support mobility management in the city of Gloversville;
$125,000 in operating assistance to Fulton County;
$53,000 in operating assistance to Herkimer County;
$575,000 in operating assistance and $75,000 to purchase communications equipment in Montgomery County;
$339,000 in operating assistance and $281,000 for projects that support mobility in Oneida County;
$262,000 in operating assistance and $3.79 million to construct a transit hub, upgrade fareboxes and replace dispatch equipment in the city of Oneonta;
$325,000 in operating assistance; $1.96 million to replace nine transit buses and one electric trolley; and $121,000 for technology projects in Otsego County; and
$585,000 in operating assistance; $344,000 to replace four transit buses; and $149,000 for projects that support mobility in Schoharie County.

Central New York

$4.3 million in funding to support operating assistance; transit capital projects; fleet, facility and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties:

$447,000 in operating assistance, and $203,000 for a backup generator and facility maintenance for CENTRO in Cayuga County;
$504,000 in operating assistance; $716,000 to replace nine transit buses; $18,000 for two bus shelters; and $326,000 for projects that support mobility in Cortland County;
$246,000 in operating assistance; $236,000 to purchase two transit buses to expand services; and $142,000 for projects that support mobility in Madison County;
$156,000 in operating assistance for CENTRO in Onondaga County;
$500,000 in operating assistance and $220,000 for a backup generator and maintenance equipment and facility maintenance for CENTRO in Oswego; and
$160,000 in operating assistance and $117,000 to replace one transit bus, $85,000 for technology and diagnostic equipment, and $178,000 for projects that support mobility in Oswego County.

Finger Lakes

$13.9 million in funding to support operating assistance; transit capital projects; fleet, facility, and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties:

$240,000 in operating assistance; $177,000 to replace three transit buses; and $3.44 million for one bus shelter, facility maintenance and construction for Rural Transit Service (RTS) in Genesee County;
$275,000 in operating assistance; $923,000 to replace four transit buses and to purchase four transit buses to expand services; and $18,000 for one bus shelter for RTS in Livingston County;
$124,000 in operating assistance for RTS in Monroe County;

$743,000 in operating assistance; $845,000 to replace 11 transit buses and $231,000 for three bus shelters; backup equipment, facility maintenance and construction for RTS in Ontario County;
$160,000 in operating assistance; $59,000 to purchase one transit bus to expand services; and $290,000 for one bus shelter, facility maintenance and construction for RTS in Orleans County;
$150,000 in operating assistance; $393,000 to purchase five transit buses to expand services; and $18,000 for one bus shelter for RTS in Seneca County;
$475,000 in operating assistance; $1.46 million to replace 13 transit buses; and $315,000 for five bus shelters and facility design for RTS in Wayne County;
$247,000 in operating assistance; $295,000 to replace four transit buses; and $2.89 million for facility renovation and construction for RTS in Wyoming County; and
$86,000 in operating assistance and $4,000 for new bus signs in Yates County.

Western New York

$7 million in funding to support operating assistance; transit capital projects; fleet, facility, and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara counties, the cities of Niagara Falls and Olean and to the Seneca Nation of Indians:

$576,000 in operating assistance; $323,000 to replace five transit buses; $144,000 for a charging station and communication equipment; and $602,000 for projects that support mobility in Allegany County;
$895,000 in operating assistance and $428,000 to replace one transit bus for Butler/Blue Bird bus lines across western New York;
$617,000 in operating assistance and $116,000 to replace one transit bus for the City of Olean;
$822,000 in operating assistance; $851,000 to replace 12 transit buses; $138,000 for communications and technology equipment; and $132,000 for projects that support mobility in Chautauqua County;
$102,000 in operating assistance and $38,000 for bike racks and technology equipment for the city of Niagara Falls;
$216,000 in operating assistance and $366,000 to replace three transit buses in Niagara County;
$152,000 in operating assistance to Niagara Frontier Transit Authority; and
$229,000 in operating assistance; $191,000 to replace three transit buses; and $90,000 for facility maintenance for the Seneca Nation of Indians.

North Country

$6 million in in funding to support operating assistance; fleet and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties:

$351,000 in operating assistance; $581,000 to replace four transit buses and to purchase two transit buses expand services; $41,000 for a vehicle lift and communications equipment; and $22,000 for projects that support mobility in Clinton County;
$889,000 in operating assistance; $380,000 to replace four transit buses and to purchase one transit bus to expand services; and $302,000 for projects that support mobility in Essex County;
$770,000 in operating assistance and $963,000 to replace 12 transit buses in Franklin County;
$181,000 in operating assistance and $124,000 to purchase one transit bus to expand service in Lewis County.
$473,000 in operating assistance to North Country-First Transit across the North Country; and
$204,000 in operating assistance; $588,000 to purchase five transit buses to expand services; $14,000 for technology equipment; and $159,000 for projects that support mobility in St. Lawrence County.

Mid-Hudson Valley

$2.2 million in funding to support operating assistance; and fleet renewal and modernization in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties:

$223,000 in operating assistance to Dutchess County;

$637,000 in operating assistance and $116,000 to replace two transit buses in Orange County;

$185,000 in operating assistance to Putnam County;

$47,000 in operating assistance and $78,000 to purchase one transit bus to expand service in Sullivan County; and

$362,000 in operating assistance and $522,000 to replace four transit buses in Ulster County.

Southern Tier

$8.9 million in funding to support operating assistance; fleet, facility, and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins counties, and the cities of Hornell and Corning:

$237,000 in operating assistance and $118,000 to replace two transit buses in Broome County;
$407,000 in operating assistance and $109,000 for projects that support mobility in Chemung County;
$234,000 in operating assistance and $882,000 to replace 14 transit buses in Chenango County;
$485,000 in operating assistance; $124,000 to replace two transit buses; $91,000 for technology equipment; and $269,000 for projects that support mobility in Schuyler County;
$214,000 in operating assistance to the city of Corning
$536,000 in operating assistance; $274,000 to replace four transit buses; and $7,000 to maintain a vehicle lift in the city of Hornell;
$403,000 in operating assistance; $41,000 for technology equipment; and $578,000 for projects that support mobility in Steuben County;
$18,000 in operating assistance and $712,000 for projects that support mobility in Tioga County; and
$525,000 in operating assistance; $1.68 million to replace four transit buses; $420,000 for 16 bus shelters, technology equipment, facility maintenance and construction; and $490,000 for projects that support mobility in Tompkins County.

Intercity

$4.5 million in operating assistance to Intercity bus operators, including Adirondack Trailways, Birnie Bus, Fullington Trailways, Hudson Transit Lines, Passenger Bus and Pine Hills-Kingston.