At the end of last month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an influx of public funding for various transportation projects. A total of 75 New York communities received a combined $178.8 million for multimodal transportation enhancements. Two Long Island neighborhood projects near John F. Kennedy Airport received $6.8 million.
Governor Hochul emphasized in a press release that the focus of this round of funding was on environmental improvements. Most of the projects that received state funding will improve bike safety, bus access, and other environmentally friendly ways to get around. By pushing these alternative modes of travel, the state aims to improve the quality of life of a large swath of citizens.
The state funding will cover up to 80% of project costs for the 75 projects that underwent a rigorous application stage. More than two-thirds of the projects that Hochul’s funding supports will take place in Environmental Justice Communities. These communities are defined as low- or middle-income areas with large minority populations. The funding announcements reaffirm New York’s commitment to its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, passed in 2019.
Two Long Island projects receive state funding
Long Island received the second-smallest influx of funding at just $6.8 million. Due to Long Island’s relative affluence, its potential transportation improvements will take a back seat for the time being.
However, the island does have two projects receive significant funding. The first is an improvement to Nassau County’s Lido Boulevard. Located on the Long Beach Barrier Island, Lido Boulevard connects Point Lookout with the city of Long Beach. Nassau County will get $5 million from the state to improve sidewalks and ease traffic around the major thoroughfare.
The other major Long Island improvement is in the Village of Valley Stream. Located just southwest of Hempstead, Valley Stream will get nearly $2 million to construct a multi-use pathway that will connect preexisting paths to its Long Island Rail Road station.
