U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congressman Joe Morelle, announced Tuesday a $100 million federal grant for the Rochester Inner Loop North Transformation Project, marking a major milestone in efforts to reconnect communities divided by the highway and drive economic revitalization in downtown Rochester.
The funding, awarded through the Reconnecting Communities Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, represents the largest federal grant of its kind this year. It will allow the city to move forward with plans to replace a 1.5-mile segment of the Inner Loop with an at-grade urban street grid, reclaiming 22 acres of land for redevelopment, green spaces, and multimodal transportation infrastructure.
“Today a transportation transformation begins for Rochester,” said Senator Schumer. “This $100 million investment will reconnect neighborhoods, create safer streets, and serve as a national model for reversing the damage caused by outdated infrastructure. This project is about righting historical wrongs and building a better future for Rochester.”
Built in the 1950s and 1960s, the Inner Loop displaced predominantly Black and immigrant neighborhoods, disrupting communities and creating barriers to economic growth. The North Transformation Project seeks to address those harms by fostering connectivity and accessibility while creating economic opportunities through new housing and commercial development.
Senator Gillibrand emphasized the project’s far-reaching impact, saying, “This investment will revitalize Rochester, promote growth, and build stronger, more livable communities. I’m proud to have fought for this funding and will continue advocating for infrastructure projects that prioritize equity.”
Congressman Morelle echoed those sentiments, calling the grant a critical step toward progress. “The Inner Loop has long been a symbol of division and lost opportunity. With this funding, we can finally move forward, reconnect neighborhoods, and build a stronger, more inclusive Rochester.”
The Inner Loop North Transformation Project will feature pedestrian-friendly roadways, bike lanes, green spaces, and opportunities for new housing and businesses. The redevelopment aims to create a more vibrant and inclusive downtown while generating good-paying local construction jobs.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the funding, saying, “This investment will play a key role in making our vision for a fully revitalized Rochester a reality. It’s a transformative step forward for our community.”
City leaders and advocates also celebrated the announcement, with Rochester Mayor Malik Evans calling the grant a “game-changing investment” that will “heal the damage of the past and unlock bold opportunities for our future.”
The project builds on the success of the Inner Loop East Transformation, completed in 2017, which converted a section of the highway into an urban street grid and spurred over $400 million in private investment, including new housing and the expansion of the Strong National Museum of Play.
Senator Schumer highlighted the significance of this moment, saying, “This $100 million is not just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in Rochester’s people, economy, and future. Today, we take a giant step toward creating a city that is more connected, more equitable, and full of opportunity.”
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