Governor Hochul Announces $97.7 Million to Support Enhancement of Alternative Transportation Options in Local Communities

Funding Supports Construction of New Sidewalks, Shared Use Paths, Bus Shelters and Other Improvements to Facilitate Environmentally Friendly Modes of Travel

Projects Advance New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Goals

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $97.7 million in funding has been awarded to more than 30 communities across New York State for projects that promote alternative, environmentally friendly modes of travel, such as walking, biking or riding mass transit. The funding will support initiatives that improve access to the transportation system for all users and advance New York State’s nation-leading agenda to fight climate change by constructing new sidewalks, shared use paths and other enhancements that facilitate the use of non-motorized modes of travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The awards were made available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and are being administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.

“Since my first day in office, I have invested in expanding multi-modal travel options for New Yorkers across the State,” Governor Hochul said. “By giving communities the tools they need to expand alternative modes of travel, we are helping to reduce emissions while creating a healthier and more vibrant transportation system that benefits all New Yorkers.”

The Transportation Alternatives Program focuses on transportation related projects which provide infrastructure to improve sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle safety, enhancements in access to public transportation, safe routes to schools for students and their parents, and the creation of trailway networks.

The $97.7 million in TAP awards were distributed throughout the state to 13 separate towns, 10 villages, five cities, and two counties, among others. The types of projects were broken into four categories:

• $57.8 million to improve sidewalks, pedestrian, and bicycle safety
  The awards will allow for infrastructure improvement projects to help create ADA compliant sidewalks, connect activity centers and communities for pedestrians, and improve bicycle safety on local roads.
• $21.2 million to create and expand trailway networks
  The awards will help to construct shared use paths and improve trail connections and infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles and improve the overall safety of trailway options.
• $17.3 million to provide safe routes to schools
  The awards will expand the number of safe routes to schools to foster a safer, healthier, and more accessible environment for children, families, and other pedestrians.
• $1.3 million for bus shelters and transit enhancements
  The awards will help build bus shelters to increase mobility options and improve transit access for pedestrians.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

Governor Hochul’s nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), New York is on a path to achieving its mandated goal of a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy-wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented ramp-up of clean energy and the creation of more than 150,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector. New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050 while meeting a goal to deliver 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities and advancing progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs in end-use savings. The CLCPA scoping plan provides the framework for how New York State will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, including the transportation sector, increase renewable energy use, and ensure all communities equitably benefit from the clean energy transition.

TAP Awarded Projects:

Capital Region - $4.3 million

• $1,481,600 to the Village of Altamont for sidewalk installation and improvement on Maple Avenue and Bozenkill Road.
• $1,626,720 to the Town of Malta for a pedestrian and bike pathway along Route 9.
• $1,193,187 to the Town of North Greenbush for sidewalk construction on U.S. Route 4.

Central New York - $7.9 million

• $803,898 to the Village of Solvay for Empire State Trail improvements as well as repairs on Belle Isle Road.
• $3,146,400 to the City of Syracuse sidewalk improvements in the Inner Harbor area.
• $3,944,000 to the City of Syracuse for the construction of a physical separated shared use path on the West Side Trail.

Finger Lakes - $10.3 million

• $1,153,534 to the City of Batavia to install sidewalk connecting the Jackson Street elementary school with Batavia Middle School.
• $3,475,945 to the Town of Livonia for the construction and extension of sidewalks on Big Tree Road.
• $679,511 to the County of Monroe for the construction of a mobile traffic safety education facility to encourage participation in Safe Routes to School.
• $3,970,400 to the City of Rochester for traffic calming and pedestrian safety at 12 priority intersections.
• $1,090,557 to the Town of York for sidewalks, mid-crossings, signage, and tree plantings approaching the intersection of Stare Routes 63 and 36.
• $5,000,000 to the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to resurface and repair culverts along seven miles of trail from State Route 5, south to the York Landing parking lot.

Long Island - $6.9 million

• $4,028,800 to the Village of Garden City to build or reconstruct pedestrian curb ramps to ADA standards at targeted locations.
• $2,947,840 to the Town of Southampton enhance pedestrian infrastructure along a two-mile segment of Nyack Road.

Mid-Hudson - $28.5 million

• $1,088,499 to the Town of Crawford to remove and replace sidewalks and crosswalks to meet all ADA requirements on State Route 52 and Seybolt Lane.
• $3,859,742 to the Town of Greenburgh for pedestrian improvements including sidewalks, ramps, and crosswalks, along Old Army Road.
• $2,341,220 to the Town of Greenburgh for sidewalk construction on State Route 100A between Knollwood Shopping Center and Greenburgh Health Center.
• $1,472,000 to the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson to construct new sidewalk sections on Rosedale Avenue, add catch basins, and rehabilitate the staircase connecting Rosedale Avenue to Hamilton Avenue via Prescott Place.
• $1,224,480 to the Town of Mamaroneck for improvement to Colonial Avenue to provide a safe route for elementary school children and parents.
• $5,000,000 to the Town of New Castle for an off-road multi-use trail (ChapLine) connecting Chappaqua Crossing to a bike easement in Chestnut Oaks.
• $1,600,000 to the Village of Rhinebeck for safety upgrades and trail connections for users of all abilities.
• $3,878,789 to the Village of Sleepy Hollow for the installation and construction of sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and historic signage from the public visitor center to Devries Park.
• $1,715,270 to the Village of Wesley Hills for the installation of ADA compliant sidewalks Willow Road to Lime Kiln Road.
• $5,000,000 to the City of Yonkers completely rehabilitate South Broadway, replacing sidewalks, paving roads, installing new lights and trees, and creating new bike lanes.
• $1,361,120 to the Rockland County Highway Department to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at key intersection in the Town of Stony Point.

Mohawk Valley - $6.7 million

• $1,498,624 to the Town of Kirkland to construct a pedestrian bridge, two trailheads with parking, and a 10-goot wide, 4,600-foot section of the proposed Phase 2 of the Kirkland Trail.
• $4,613,276 to the City of Utica – Engineering Department for the construction of seven blocks of new pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, reducing Broad Street from four to two lanes to accommodate bike lanes, center medians, and multi-use sidewalks.
• $589,760 to the Capital District Transportation Authority to design and construct an intersection improvement in Amsterdam to better manage pedestrian safety and access to transit.

New York City - $5 million

• $5,000,000 to the New York City Department of Transportation on safety improvements near six schools in disadvantaged communities.

North Country - $3.1 million

• $1,192,458 to the Town of Long Lake for the construction and replacement of sidewalks along Main Street.
• $1,948,000 to the Clinton County Planning Department for rehabilitation and refurbishment of the Keeseville Swing Bridge to preserve a historic transportation structure that provides a pedestrian path over the AuSable River.

Southern Tier - $7.9 million

• $4,112,000 to the Village of Dryden to construct new sidewalks along Mott Road, North Road, State Roue 13, Enterprise Drive, Ellis Drive, Freeville Road near the Dryden Middle and High Schools, and Union Street near the Elementary School.
• $1,146,400 to the Town of Ithaca to construct a multi-use trail and lighting along East Shore Drive from the intersection with Cayuga Street to the intersection with James L. Gibbs Drive.
• $2,656,000 to the Village of Trumansburg to construct a new sidewalk system along Main Street near the Trumansburg Central School District.

Western New York - $16.8 million

• $2,785,194 to the Town of Hamburg for a new comprehensive multimodal system including the construction of new sidewalks, bike lanes, and crossings along South Park Avenue.
• $3,392,800 to the Village of Lancaster to fill in the gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle network along Central Avenue.
• $5,000,000 to the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to construct and improve culverts in key drainage locations parallel to State Route 19/19A and construct a continuous trial in sections previously lost.
• $695,767 to the Seneca Nation of Indians to build six bus shelters on the two Seneca Nation’s residential territories: the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories.

AS HEAT CONTINUES INTO THE WEEKEND, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

 

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23 

 Cooling centers are open across the city, including, on Sunday, up to 45 NYC public schools as part of whole community approach. Each school will have the capacity to host and cool several hundred New Yorkers 

To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder 

New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home

New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout weekend, with heat index values in the upper-90s to 100 across the city. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will also be possible each afternoon and evening through early next week. These may bring localized heavy downpours and gusty winds; however, flooding is not anticipated in NYC at this time. In addition, there is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 P.M. today for ground-level ozone pollution. Finally, beach-goers are urged to exercise caution at Atlantic-facing beaches this weekend due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents. 

“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public and I encourage anyone looking for a place to beat the heat to take advantage of them or visit one of our city’s beaches. To find your local cooling center, visit our “Cool Options” map at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311. Let's stay prepared and safe.” 

“As the summer is officially underway and bringing in high heat, I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing. Beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a Cooling Center. New Yorkers can also stay cool by visiting a museum, house of worship, movie theater, publicly-accessible atriums and lobbies, or other cool spaces. High heat can be dangerous, look out for another, especially older adults, children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.”  

“Heat is dangerous but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “So, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Last but not least check in on vulnerable individuals, especially older, relatives, neighbors and friends, as well as those with chronic and mental health conditions.” 

“As always, our schools stand ready to assist the city in any emergency,” said Chancellor David C. Banks. “I am deeply appreciative of our incredible facilities staff and School Safety Agents who will be on hand to open the schools and ensure they are prepared to welcome back students on Monday.” 

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner. 

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat. 

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and its pool are open, and all sprinkler systems are operating at all state parks in New York City. 

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter. 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT 

• Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events. 
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours. 
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.  
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.  
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.  
• Eat small, frequent meals. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.  
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below. 
• Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.  

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS 

• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has: 
• Hot dry skin 
• Trouble breathing 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911. 

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE 

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. 
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. 
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse. 

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE 

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly. 

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one. 

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS 

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death: 

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.” 
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home. 
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running. 
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. 
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean. 
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running. 
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity. 

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device. 

Air Quality Advisory Issued for New York City Metro, Long Island, and Lower Hudson Valley Regions for Saturday June 22, 2024.

In Effect for Saturday, June 22, 2024

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Saturday, June 22, 2024, for ozone to include the New York City Metro, Long Island, and Lower Hudson Valley regions.

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone

 

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

 

The Saturday, June 22, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties; Long Island, which includes Suffolk and Nassau counties; and Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

 

OZONE

 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

 

Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.

 

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. 
  

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf. 

 

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE PUSHES CITY TO IMPLEMENT SOLITARY LAW AS COURT FINDS STATE PRISONS IN VIOLATION OF BAN

 

New York’s State Supreme Court found that years after the statewide HALT Solitary law, state prisons continue to violate its provisions and hold people in solitary confinement for extended periods. At the same time, New York City is moving forward in the process of implementing Local Law 42, legislation from Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams which mandates an enforceable ban on the prolonged isolation associated with solitary confinement in city jails. At a hearing of the Board of Corrections this week, Public Advocate Williams spoke of the need to fully, faithfully, and speedily implement the law.

“Many try to mask the practice of isolation with euphemistic names like punitive segregation, but there is not much difference–it is very often solitary confinement," said Public Advocate Williams. "Prolonged isolation that looks like, feels like, and acts like solitary confinement—is solitary confinement. Physical isolation coupled with the lack of meaningful social interaction causes or exacerbates trauma, as well as other mental health issues. The law as passed provides guidelines on how detainees should be separated, when necessary, in a way to make both those housed and working in NYC jails, just a bit safer.”

The state case charged that despite the ban on prolonged isolation, officials were finding ways to circumvent the law in practice. Similarly, on a city level, reports indicate that while solitary is banned in name, practices of harmful isolation have continued. The Public Advocate’s legislation closes these loopholes, while allowing for separation and de-escalation when necessary.

The Adams administration has repeatedly attempted to prevent this law from taking effect. The mayor vetoed the legislation in January and was overwhelmingly overridden by the City Council. Now, the administration wants the court to prevent the implementation of the law. 

After the administration signaled its intent to seek court intervention, the Public Advocate declared “The administration clearly has the resources to implement the law. Instead, they’re using those resources to try to continue the capability of prolonged isolation and preserve the status quo on Rikers.”

Before the Board on Monday, the Public Advocate stressed the importance of fully implementing the law, saying that “It is imperative that the Board ensure compliance with this law as written, as the administration has made clear that they do not wish to comply with Local Law 42, and have asked Judge Swain to halt implementation. Instead of trying to delay and circumvent their legal obligations to continue this deeply harmful practice, this administration should act immediately to implement this law.”