New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE-Sag Harbor) today announced the availability of $98.7 million in funding to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and transportation-related programs as well as projects that reduce congestion and help to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. These projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include public benefit, air quality improvement, and innovation.

Projects must be related to the surface transportation system and provide full access to the public. Applications for funding may be developed by any municipality or non-profit incorporated group, but projects must be sponsored either by a municipality, a state agency or public authority eligible to administer federal transportation funds. Eligible project activities include the addition of accessible sidewalks; construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities, preservation and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use; enhancements to traffic signals or intersections that improve traffic flow; and travel demand programs that shift traffic demand to non-peak hours or other transportation modes.

These funds, made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, are provided through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. These programs will provide up to 80 percent of project-related cost, with the remaining 20 percent provided by project sponsors.

The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through October 21, 2016. Program guidance, applications and workshop schedules may be found here.