After orchestrating the successful early passage of the state”™s fiscal year 2012-2013 budget, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced April 3 some $1.2 billion in funding for accelerated road and bridge rehabilitation projects across the state.
That funding comprises $232 million in state capital funds and $917 million in federal funds included in the state budget and billed as part of the New York Works initiative, which Cuomo has said is aimed at boosting economic development through infrastructure and public works projects.
Among the road and bridge projects tabbed by Cuomo and the state Department of Transportation for acceleration under New York Works are 38 Hudson Valley projects worth $217.9 million, including 10 projects worth $46.2 million in Westchester County.
Cuomo has described the economic development initiative as the “cornerstone” of the state”™s budget.
“This significant investment will rebuild the foundation of the region”™s economy and create thousands of jobs for New Yorkers,” he said last week in a statement.
Another key component of the state budget ”“ which was passed by both the Senate and Assembly with little opposition March 30 ”“ is the New York Works Task Force.
The task force will be responsible for forming and overseeing a comprehensive plan for distributing state dollars earmarked for capital projects among the state”™s 45 agencies and authorities.
The current budget includes $16 billion in capital expenditures.
The goal of the task force is to be able to streamline coordination among agencies working in close proximity on similar projects.
Once formed, the task force will be made up of 15 members, with nine being appointed by the governor and six by the Legislature.
Sources with knowledge of the governor”™s plans said there is no set timetable for the formation of the New York Works Task Force, but that it is likely to occur later this year.
Included among the transportation projects located in Westchester County is the $24.2 million replacement of the Sprain Brook Parkway bridge at Route 119 in Greenburgh, the $5.4 million repaving of a stretch of Route 119 from Tarrytown to White Plains, and the $4.6 million rehabilitation of Route 100C where it crosses over Route 987F in Mount Pleasant, among others.
