Federal Transportation Funds Available

ONEONTA, 07/28/09 -- Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced applications are being accepted to help local governments fund “shovel ready” transportation projects.

"Local governments are struggling to keep property taxes down while maintaining their transportation and infrastructure systems,” said Seward.  “Our upstate economy depends on well maintained highways to attract new companies and help existing businesses grow.  Quality of life issues and the safety of our residents are also at stake.”

The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program was created as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

The funding will be available for a wide variety of projects, including:

  *highway or bridge projects;
  *public transportation projects;
  *passenger and freight rail transportation projects;
  *port infrastructure projects. 

TIGER has nationwide federal funding of $1.5 billion and is set up to make competitive awards for “shovel ready” transportation projects that are generally between $20 million and $300 million.  The secretary of transportation may waive the $20 million minimum grant size for significant projects in smaller municipalities.

“I am encouraging local governments in the 51st district to apply for these federal dollars to improve our roads and bridges, keep taxes down and ramp up the upstate economy,” concluded Seward.

Local governments are required to contact the New York State Department of Transportation at (518) 485-9288 or visit NYSDOT’s website.  Those who intend to apply must inform the NYSDOT by August 1st, with formal applications due by September 15th.

-30-