Details of the just-signed federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are starting to emerge.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand noted that $27 billion will be spent in New York, including $11.6 billion earmarked for federal aid highway apportioned programs for the state's 7,300 miles of highways in poor condition.
She said $1 billion of that is meant to help reverse the long-term effects of the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo, plus highways in Rochester and Syracuse, that divided communities of color when they were built.
Nearly $10 billion will be spent over five years for sustainable and efficient public transportation and $1.9 billion, again over five years, for replacement or repairs of 1,700 bridges in the state.
Other highlights include $2.6 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure, which will greatly accelerate lead pipe removal. Gillibrand said Buffalo has an estimated 100 miles of lead pipes.
Another $175 million over five years will support the expansion of a statewide EV charging network, $100 million will help increase broadband coverage across the state and $28 million will go to fight against cyberattacks, including funding for barriers on sidewalks and other walkways that prevent pedestrians from being targets of terror attacks using vehicles.
