Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday, a significant investment of $100 million aimed at rejuvenating State roadways affected by extreme weather events, with Rockland County securing $4.1 million for the resurfacing of Route 45 from East Eckerson Road to the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the Town of Ramapo and Villages of New Square and New Hempstead.
This funding will support repaving projects at 66 different locations, covering nearly 568 lane miles of pavement. It supplements Governor Hochul’s record-breaking infrastructure investment initiatives throughout New York State.
“From crippling blizzards to historic floods, we find ourselves in an era marked by unprecedented weather challenges, leaving numerous roads in New York State, including Rockland County, in dire need of repair and revitalization,” Governor Hochul stated. “This $100 million injection will extend the lifespan of multiple roads across the state, enhancing their resilience in the face of future extreme weather events.”
By consistently investing in transportation infrastructure, New York State is not only enhancing highway safety and efficiency but also promoting local commerce and tourism. The State Department of Transportation’s current five-year capital plan, totaling $32.9 billion, which includes federal formula funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represents an unprecedented commitment to road and bridge repair and modernization. This essential infrastructure funding will play a pivotal role in restoring hundreds of lane miles of highway impacted by extreme weather conditions.
Majority Leader Charles Schumer voiced his support, stating, “From Plattsburgh to New Paltz, this $100 million investment will lay the groundwork for more resilient road networks across New York, including Rockland County. It will pave the way for smoother commutes by addressing long-overdue repairs to roads damaged by storms. I am proud to have contributed to securing this funding through our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, and I commend Governor Hochul for taking this crucial step toward ensuring the safety and durability of our infrastructure in the face of increasingly severe weather conditions throughout New York.”
The allocation of these funds underscores New York State’s commitment to fortifying its transportation infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable roadways for its citizens, including those in Rockland County, and bolstering its resilience against the growing challenges posed by extreme weather phenomena.