Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $400,000 for Broad Street Project in Rochester

Aug 2, 2012

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $400,000 to support construction for the Broad Street two-way conversion project in downtown Rochester. The grant funding is allocated from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration.

In January, Senator Gillibrand urged DOT to support Rochester’s application for federal funding to support the project.

“This targeted investment for Broad Street’s two-way conversion will be a huge economic boost for downtown Rochester, and will lead to improved accessibility to local businesses,” said Schumer. “This Department of Transportation funding will improve traffic through the heart of Rochester and bring new jobs to the city.”

“Investing in transportation infrastructure is one of the fastest, most effective ways to create jobs now, and lay the foundation for more jobs tomorrow,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This grant to help overhaul a major artery in downtown Rochester will improve safety and keep more travelers on the move to help strengthen the local economy.”

“The award of this grant is more great news for Downtown Rochester. The conversion of Broad Street to two-way traffic will greatly advance our goal of creating a pedestrian-friendly, visitor-friendly Downtown streetscape that supports economic development, especially at the adjacent Midtown redevelopment site,” said Rochester Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “I want to thank Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their tireless advocacy for Rochester’s transportation needs, which helped us secure these funds.”

The New York State Department of Transportation will use the federal highway funding grant to support construction that will overhaul Broad Street in downtown Rochester, converting it from one-way westbound to two-way traffic through.

Senator Gillibrand’s complete letter advocating for federal investment into the Broad Street project is attached.