Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new injection of $483 million in funding to bolster the state’s BRIDGE NY initiative, targeting the rehabilitation and replacement of local bridges and culverts throughout New York.
This move aligns with the state’s efforts to fortify infrastructure against severe weather impacts linked to climate change. The State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will collaborate with local planning organizations to disburse funds across all regions, with a focus on enhancing structural resilience and advancing regional economic interests, especially in environmental justice communities.
The governor noted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in New York, emphasizing that the initiative is crucial to augmenting the safety, reliability, and sustainability of the state’s infrastructure. “Our goal is to ensure our bridges can withstand extreme weather events and keep New Yorkers on the move,” Hochul remarked. This recent commitment follows the roughly $1.2 billion previously allocated to BRIDGE NY over past years. Moreover, the state’s $32.8 billion capital plan from the previous year pledged an additional $1 billion to the initiative, effectively doubling its scale.
Endorsements for this initiative came from various state and federal officials, recognizing its significance. Senator Chuck Schumer praised the program, asserting that it bridges the infrastructure deficit while promoting economic growth. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted the importance of reinforcing critical infrastructure due to increasing extreme weather events. The announcement also builds upon Governor Hochul’s July 2023 pledge of over $516 million for 216 projects under the BRIDGE NY program, aiding 141 local governments.
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