Senator Larkin Delivers For Hudson Valley Transportation Needs

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, 39th District) is pleased to announce that this year’s State Budget provides record funding for improving and updating the region’s transportation and will help to fund and accelerate several important local projects—including the Woodbury Commons Thruway Exit. Thanks to Senator Larkin and his Senate Majority colleagues, this year’s budget provides $27 billion in parity funding for highway, road and bridge projects throughout the state.

“One of my biggest priorities in this year’s budget was ensuring the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York receive a fair share of funding for local infrastructure,” Larkin said. “I’m proud to have helped secure a record amount of aid, $27 billion, for our region’s road and bridges. This paves the way for our communities to get a jumpstart on so many important projects, including the Woodbury Commons Thruway Exit, creating jobs, opportunities and safer conditions for our residents.”

“I'd like to thank Senator Larkin for his efforts in securing funding for major infrastructure projects here in Orange County,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “It's good to know that our residents have representatives like Senator Larkin who believe in getting results through cooperation and teamwork."

Senator Larkin thanked Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney for helping to bolster the region’s infrastructure and noted that out of the $27 billion slated for Upstate transportation projects, over $9 billion comes from federal funding.

“Fixing the Woodbury I-87 interchange is the perfect example of what we can achieve when folks from all levels of government team up with local business and civic leaders to get things done,” said Rep. Maloney, member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “From securing $8.9 billion in federal transportation funding for New York to prioritizing local projects at the state level, I was proud to work with Governor Cuomo, Senator Larkin, and many others through every step of the process to show that we can invest in our local infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and grow our economy.”  

            Several of the local projects that Senator Larkin helped secure in this year’s state budget include:

·         $800 million over the next four years for local roads and bridges under the Pave NY/Bridge NY program;

·          $2.3 million to replace the Quassaick Creek Bridge;

·         $115 million to reconfigure the interchange leading from Woodbury Commons to the Thruway;

·         $47 million in CHIPS funding for local roads and bridges;

·         Funding for the accelerated replacement of the Route 208 bridge in Washingtonville; and

·         $700 million in funding for the new Tappan Zee Bridge and Thruway Core Capital Program.

Senator Larkin noted that the Budget achieves true Upstate-Downstate infrastructure funding, creating a pathway for both safer roads and traveling conditions and economic revitalization. While the Senate Democrat Majority of 2009-10 and Assembly Democrats heightened the Upstate-Downstate schism, this year’s budget treated all areas of our state equitably.

“At the end of the day, all residents and all regions of our state should be treated fairly,” Larkin added. “In past years, our legislature was enmired in one-party regional gridlock and disputes. I’m proud that we’ve transcended that this year to ensure funding parity for our state. By working together, we’ve helped provide greater opportunities for not just New York City and the Metro area, but for all our communities.”