$2.3 million in funding secured by Senator Murphy adds structure to local infrastructure

ALBANY, NY - Sidewalks are an important, but often overlooked part of our transportation infrastructure. If they are in disrepair or inaccessible, they can pose great challenges or danger for anyone who is handicapped. Senator Terrence Murphy has been working with Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Westchester County municipalities to procure $2.319, 952 to upgrade local walkways and roads.

"Keeping our sidewalks and roads in top condition is important for pedestrians, commuters and visitors to the Hudson Valley. It's also crucial to maintain and construct sidewalks for wheelchair and handicapped access," said Senator Murphy. "These local improvements can help boost our economy, tourism and improve quality of life."

The Village of Pleasantville will receive $1,510.000 for pedestrian safety improvements. Putnam County will receive $400,000 and the Town of North Salem will get $409,952 to construct sidewalks that will comply with guidelines set by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"Infrastructure is one of those things that most of us take for granted until it's not there or in disrepair," said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "Ensuring that our sidewalks are safe and accessible is a fundamental necessity that affects mobility, property values and quality of life. Our ongoing objective is to make Putnam a premier destination to live, work, and play and this funding adds another important resource to help us meet that goal."

"This is not only the best news I've heard today or the best news I've heard this week, it's the best news I've heard all year," said Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer. "We plan to use the funds to fix sidewalks, widen roads and change some of the crosswalks. The improvements will help create a friendlier environment for our downtown area."

Warren Lucas, Town Supervisor for North Salem said, "We appreciate Senator Murphy's efforts on behalf the North Salem area. The funding will help build a walkway to the Purdy's train station that will make it safer, easier and more convenient for commuters to walk to the station."

The funding is part of $112.2 million earmarked by Governor Andrew Cuomo to support eighty-one projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and improve air quality across New York. The projects include multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new accessible sidewalks that adhere to regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, improved access to public transportation, and enhanced roadway safety. The funding is made available through the Federal Highway Administration, and is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.