Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced their push to secure a $1 million federal grant to develop a long-term framework to bolster and upgrade transit infrastructure in Newburgh. The Senators announced that they are seeking the funding for this project through the federal Department of Transportation’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant program, which provides funding for road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. This $1 million in federal funding will also support the city of Newburgh’s Waterfront Access and Mobility Strategy, which aims to create a long-term plan that assesses and prepares for vital transportation improvements to help revitalize the local economy.
“The City of Newburgh is uniquely positioned to significantly increase economic development by linking its waterfront with its Broadway corridor and the city’s downtown area,” said Senator Schumer. “This much-needed funding will improve access throughout the city and revive Broadway as a vibrant transportation corridor. Newburgh’s proposed plan will put it on the fast track to establishing a comprehensive transit network that will not only impact local residents but the region as a whole. By connecting the city’s downtown with its waterfront ferry and port area, we can further increase the city’s potential for steady, long-term growth.”
“This critical investment in Newburgh is just what the Hudson Valley needs to see positive economic growth,” Senator Gillibrand said. “After a decline in its manufacturing base, federal funding will help develop a long-term plan to connect Newburgh downtown with the waterfront area and revitalize the city. Investing in transportation infrastructure is one of the fastest, most effective ways to create new jobs, attract new businesses, and strengthen the local economy.”
The TIGER grant for the city of Newburgh would be used to support the Newburgh Waterfront Access and Mobility strategy, which will assess and prepare for transportation infrastructure improvements and advancements throughout the city. This plan would allow the city to identify and prioritize commercial and passenger transit system improvements that could bring lasting sustainability into the waterfront area. Specifically, the study would compare options for creating transit along the city’s main street and connecting it with a waterfront ferry. The assessment will also examine the marketability of reviving manufacturing and commercial options along the waterfront as well as examine financial, legal and environmental requirements for creating a new Port of Newburgh.
The TIGER Discretionary Grant program provides an opportunity for the U.S. DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. In each round of TIGER, DOT receives many applications to build and repair critical pieces of freight and passenger transportation networks.