New York governor announces $200 million freight movement plan

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a $206 million plan for state and federal funding to enhance the safety and movement of freight goods across New York. Specifically, the funding will benefit 1,200 highway miles throughout the state designated as part of the National Highway Freight Network.

Cuomo’s administration says funding is targeted toward infrastructure and operational improvements “that strengthen economic competitiveness, reduce congestion, decrease the cost of freight transportation, improve reliability and increase productivity.”

The investments are intended to assist the projected 50% growth in freight tonnage transported within the state by 2040.

“The efficient movement of commerce is critical to the economic competitiveness of our state,” Gov. Cuomo said in prepared remarks. “By investing in these critical projects, we are continuing to support more than three million freight-related jobs and the global shipment of goods produced and manufactured in every region of the state.”

The funding is intended to complement more than $1.5 billion in highway freight-related enhancement projects previously announced across the state.

Projects include $873 million for the replacement of both spans of the Kosciuszko Bridge in the New York City region; $63 million for reconstruction of the interchange at Interstate 390/490 in the Finger Lakes region; and $26.6 million to install over-height vehicle detection systems at the interchange of I-495 and county Route 13 in Long Island.

A full list of National Highway Freight Program projects is available.

These projects were identified through the development of the state’s first comprehensive statewide freight plan. The governor’s office says the plan is intended to provide a framework to address current and near-term state of good repair improvements for freight infrastructure, as well as a plan for mid-term needs and efficient long-term growth in the freight system.

The projects are billed to help alleviate idling; mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases; and complement the governor’s efforts to electrify truck fleets.

“Reducing congestion, increasing safety and decreasing the cost of freight transportation is critical to the continued growth of our state’s economy,” said Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman William Magnarelli, D-Syracuse.