Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced approximately $67 million in funding for 63 pedestrian, bicycle and multi-use path transportation improvement projects across the state of New York on Jan. 15. The projects include new accessible sidewalks, improved pedestrian access to public transportation services, construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the preservation and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use.

New York State Department of Transportation officials and Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that 63 bicycle, pedestrian, and multi-use pathway projects across the state have received a total of $67 million in funding to increase safety and promote economic development.

The funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration and is administered through NYSDOT. The funds cover 80 percent of the cost of each project, and the rest of the project funding must come from a local match. When combined with FHWA's contribution, state and local investments in the projects total almost $97 million.

Projects had to meet identified needs, including facilities for bicycles and pedestrians; scenic or historic highway programs; landscaping and other beautification initiatives; preservation of abandoned railway corridors, including their conversion to and use as pedestrian and bicycle trails; and environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reducing vehicle-caused wildlife mortality. Projects were rated on criteria that included connectivity to an existing transportation system, impact on local or regional economies, and availability of matching funds, among others.

"[This announcement] demonstrates the state's sustained commitment to investing in bicycle and pedestrian safety efforts to improve the livability of communities statewide," New York State Department of Transportation NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald said in a statement. "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo, we are investing in projects that are promoting transportation alternatives, tourism and recreation, and local and regional economic development."

A full list of all projects receiving a portion of that $67 million is available here.