Governor Cuomo Announces $57.7 Million For 136 Rural Public Transportation Projects

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today (June 26) announced $57.7 million in state and federal funding for 136 rural public transportation projects statewide.

The initiative will support rural public transportation operations; help local communities procure new clean-fuel, ADA accessible buses and related equipment; enhance coordination between local transportation agencies through mobility management and employment services; and construct new transit-related infrastructure, including facilities, passenger shelters and technology enhancements.

“Transportation infrastructure is the lifeblood of our economy and the key to future growth,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will bolster upstate mobility operations and help ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their location, will have a transportation infrastructure they can rely on.”

“As chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, I have seen how New York’s investment in infrastructure has transformed our Upstate economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “This latest infusion of funding for new buses and transportation-related projects in communities across the state will go a long way toward modernizing transit systems and ensuring all New Yorkers have easy access to public transportation.”

In Central New York, $4.3 million in funding will support operating assistance; transit capital projects; fleet, facility, and equipment renewal and modernization; and mobility management services in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties:

Projects include:

• $500,000 in operating assistance, and $220,000 for a backup generator and maintenance equipment and facility maintenance for CENTRO in Oswego
• $160,000 in operating assistance, and $117,000 to replace one transit bus,
• $85,000 for technology and diagnostic equipment, and $178,000 for projects that support mobility in Oswego County.
• $447,000 in operating assistance, and $203,000 for a backup generator and facility maintenance for CENTRO in Cayuga County.
• $504,000 in operating assistance, $716,000 to replace nine transit buses,
• $18,000 for two bus shelters, and $326,000 for projects that support mobility in Cortland County.
• $246,000 in operating assistance, $236,000 to purchase two transit buses to expand services, and $142,000 for projects that support mobility in Madison County.$156,000 in operating assistance for CENTRO in Onondaga County.

The funding will be administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and supported through grants from the Federal Transit Administration.

In all, funds will be awarded to 51 program participants including, 39 municipalities, three transportation authorities, one tribal nation, and eight intercity bus operators serving rural areas throughout the state.

Collectively, these services support more than five million passenger trips annually and provide a vital role in the rejuvenation of the state’s upstate towns and villages.

Recipients of this funding will receive $34.3 million for vehicle replacement and infrastructure renewal projects and $23.4 million to support service operations.

This $57.7 million in new state and federal investments will leverage nearly $85 million in rural transportation improvements across the state.

The capital funds awarded under this initiative will accelerate the deployment of 162 new clean-fuel ADA accessible vehicles, replacing and modernizing approximately 19 percent of the total rural transit fleet. In addition, this funding will support vehicle maintenance and storage facility rehabilitation and modernization; enhanced passenger amenities such as shelters, communication systems and security; and provide mobility management services.

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