Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that the city of Amsterdam is set to receive $6.9 million for projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, as well as projects specifically targeted toward improving air quality in the Mohawk Valley. $2 million will support new pedestrian accessibility enhancements and $4.9 million to enhance connections to downtown Amsterdam by converting existing signalized intersections into roundabouts along Main Street.

These projects are made possible from a $144.6 million investment to enhance access for bicyclists and pedestrians, and improve air quality statewide. The projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process. Awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both. The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered directly by the New York State Department of Transportation. This funding also supports the Health Across all Policy in New York State, a collaborative approach that integrates health considerations into policymaking across all sectors to improve community health and wellness. A total of $9.4 million was awarded to the Mohawk Valley area.

With this funding, the city is expected to increased safety measures both in its pedestrian walkways and connections to the downtown areas including construction of new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new ADA accessible sidewalks, improved access to public transportation and enhanced roadway safety.

“It’s exciting to see this investment follow last year’s opening of a new 5-mile section of the Erie Canal Trail that now connects South Amsterdam to Pattersonville,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “As a civil engineer, I know that making city centers bicycle and pedestrian friendly is important to revitalization and promoting tourism,” Santabarbara said. “Pedestrian friendly infrastructure, accessibility, and safety enhancements are key elements to building vibrant, sustainable communities.”