NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo Announced Funding Today Of $5 Million For Roosevelt Island East Side Promenade Bike Lane And Bridge Ramp Project

NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced funding of $5 million for the Roosevelt Island East Side Bike Lane Promenade

Image From Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

 and Bike Ramp project.

 2017 RIOC rendering of proposed Bridge Ramp

As reported in November 2018:

... The proposed Roosevelt Island Bike Ramp and Eastside Bike Lane Promenade project aims to construct a bike ramp connecting bicyclists from the top of the Roosevelt Island Bridge down to the East Promenade and provide a two-way ¾-mile safe path for bicyclists along the waterfront of the Island away from Main Street vehicular traffic.

In April 2017, RIOC was approved for a $2.96 million award from the New York State Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) – Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) towards the estimated $4 million ramp construction.

In 2018, RIOC applied for a second TAP award, $5 million; to be applied to the potential $10 million construction costs of the bike lane which includes infrastructure improvements, electrical needed for lighting, storm water/bio-infiltration management; along with pavement, landscape, lighting and signage finishes....

According to this press release from Governor Cuomo's office:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $14.6 million in new funding has been awarded for four projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, as well as projects specifically targeted toward improving air quality in New York City. This new infrastructure investment, which is part of a $144.6 million investment for 72 projects statewide, will support the construction of new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new ADA accessible sidewalks, improved access to public transportation and enhanced roadway safety.

"New York State is making historic, nation-leading investments in cleaner and more sustainable transportation infrastructure which is crucial to the growth of local economies," Governor Cuomo said. "These investments in bike and pedestrian enhancements across the state will help revitalize communities, reduce our carbon footprint and demonstrate once again that New York is building for the future."

"We're investing in infrastructure initiatives across the state to improve transportation and quality of life in our communities," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "We are committed to providing funding to ensure that enhancements are made to increase access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. These projects are improving air quality and revitalizing communities, helping to increase tourism and strengthen the economy of New York State."

Statewide, these projects will spur additional investment of more than $215 million, including public and private support, in local enhancements that will revitalize communities, promote tourism and enhance regional economic competitiveness.

The projects announced today were selected through a competitive solicitation process. Awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both. The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered directly by the New York State Department of Transportation.

This funding also supports Governor Cuomo's initiative to advance Health Across all Policies in New York State. Health Across all Policies is a collaborative approach that integrates health considerations into policymaking across all sectors to improve community health and wellness.

Projects in New York City include:

• $5 million to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to construct a new bike lane on the east promenade of Roosevelt Island
• $793,000 to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to construct a new pedestrian and bicycle connection on Randall's Island
• $2.1 million to the New York City Department of Transportation toward construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities identified for the Harlem River Bridges Plan
• $1.7 million to the New York City Department of Transportation for construction of new pedestrian refuge islands, median extensions and other pedestrian accessibility enhancements

Additional projects will be announced at a later date.

Stay tuned for more.