Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday, Jan. 25, the availability of $200 million in BRIDGE NY funding for local governments to make their infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events.

The new funding will allow localities to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts statewide.  It builds upon $500 million previously awarded to 143 local governments since 2016 for the rehabilitation and replacement of 298 bridges and culverts.

These strategic infrastructure investments have enhanced the quality of life for residents and businesses in every region of the state and have provided unprecedented support for making New York’s communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.   This
initiative supports the goals ofNew York’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“New York State and communities around the world are increasingly contending with extreme weather events driven by climate change, and it’s vital that we fortify our community infrastructure to be resilient to those changes,” Cuomo said.  “This newly-available BRIDGE NY
funding provides communities statewide with the technical and financial support necessary to harden locally owned bridges and culverts, which will not only enhance their safety and reliability, but will facilitate regional and global economic competitiveness.”

The BRIDGE NY application is available to all municipalities authorized to receive and administer state and federal transportation funding. Awards will be made through a competitive process and will support all phases of project development, including design, right-of-way
acquisition and construction.

Evaluations will be based on the structural condition of a bridge or culvert and its resiliency and significance based upon traffic volumes, detour considerations, the number and types of businesses served and the overall impact on commerce.  Consideration will also be given to projects that provide demonstrable benefit for Environmental Justice Communities. (Submitted)