Governor Eliot Spitzer announced a huge transit funding package today. A total of $30.7 million will be dispersed throughout New York for several different areas, both upstate and downstate.
Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced $30.7 million in state and federal transit funding for urban and rural public transportation systems to purchase new, clean-fuel buses and support infrastructure improvements to transit facilities. Collectively, these systems help transport more than 240 million passengers annually.
Counties, cities and Upstate regional transportation authorities in urban areas will receive $16 million in state-funded Transit Capital grants. An additional $14.7 million in federal funds will be provided to smaller public transportation systems in the state's rural areas.
"This significant investment in transit will help provide more efficient, reliable bus, rail and ferry services to residents all across New York State," said Governor Spitzer. "The funding will also encourage transportation agencies and municipalities to reduce pollution by using clean-fuel vehicles while also supporting regional economic vitality by providing consumers greater access to businesses for needed goods and services."
This is huge for the urban and rural areas of New York State. In the urban areas, this will help cities purchase clean-fuel buses and improve railways and ferry systems. Overall, not only does this help improve infrastructure, but it also promotes utilizing clean energy in transporting citizens of a city.
I speak from experience how important this funding is for the rural areas is as well. We have a state highway in the Town of Shelby/Village of Medina, Route 31, which is seeing more and more business growth. We have an ethanol plant, a brand new Aldi grocery store, and then a plethora of other businesses (Valu, Dollar General, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, another pizza place, insurance agency, and a Tops plaza).
This is the list of cities and counties receiving this transit funding. Not only will this promote cleaner energy and improved transit systems, but it will also help spur economic development. |
