Auburn faces a significant financial challenge as it prepares to rehabilitate the Lake Avenue bridge, with a funding gap of $4 million looming over the project. Initially awarded a BRIDGE NY grant in 2021 for $4.6 million against a project cost of $4.9 million, unforeseen bridge deteriorations have now pushed the estimated costs to $8.9 million. The city’s grant has been increased to $4.9 million, but this still leaves a substantial shortfall.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino and the Auburn City Council are exploring options to cover the deficit, including state and federal grants, but resist using state touring route funds. The mayor emphasized the financial strain on the city and has called for an increase in the BRIDGE NY cap to accommodate rising construction costs for infrastructure projects.
With the Lake Avenue bridge’s crucial role in Auburn’s infrastructure, highlighted by its last major rehabilitation in 2002, city officials are advocating for federal and state assistance to cover the project’s escalating costs.
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