Senator Ortt Announces $7.8 Million in State Funding to Ensure Safety for Canal Lift Bridges

State Senator Rob Ortt (R-C-I, North Tonawanda) today announced $7.8 million in state funding to repair and rehabilitate two heavily traveled canal lift bridges in Orleans and Monroe counties. The funding is part of a statewide five-year Department of Transportation (DOT) Capital Program plan.

Repairs and upgrades will be made to the canal lift bridges in Brockport on Route 19 near Clinton Street and in Albion on Route 98 near Bank Street. Work is expected to start in 2018. In addition, the state will install sensors on weight restricted canal lift bridges to monitor the structural integrity and to better assess appropriate corrective measures.        

“For years, our local roads and bridges have been dangerously underfunded by the state,” said Senator Ortt. “For the first time in more than a decade, the Legislature has achieved true parity in transportation funding between upstate and downstate – the DOT and the MTA – with $27.1 billion for each entity over a five-year period. My district alone has more than 40 percent of the lift bridges over the canal, many of which that have been neglected by the state for far too long. I’ve fought for additional infrastructure funding to prevent irreversible closure of several deteriorating bridges. This money is a good start to help fix the structural problems in our region. The infrastructure improvements to the two canal lift bridges will contribute to economic growth while maintaining the safety of the individuals who use them, including our farmers and emergency personnel. We need reliable infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs and protect future generations.”

Other DOT Capital Plan projects consist of improvements to state thoroughfares, bridges, trails and sidewalks and other modes of transportation, including transit systems, rail freight and aviation capital projects. $1.65 million will go toward the revitalization of the Niagara Gorge bicycle and pedestrian trail. A complete list of projects is attached and can be found here. The DOT Capital Plan is for the state fiscal year 2015-16 through 2019-20.