Mr. Feiner
You inquired on the availability of funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Currently, your municipality may use funding made available through your allocation from the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) through State budget.
As discussed, at this time MAP-21 has been extended to December 2015. While a number of surface transportation bills have been drafted by the Houses of Congress, a long term bill has not been implemented. Due to this, uncertainty, NYSDOT does not have a clear picture of the intentions for the Transportation Alternatives Program. If the program continues, there will be funding available for pedestrian and bicycle facilities through a competitive solicitation process.
Another opportunity is through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Additional information may be found at the following link.
http://nysparks.com/grants/recreational-trails/default.aspx
We would be happy to notify you if a future round of funding becomes available through the Transportation Alternatives Program. Thank you for your interest in advancing pedestrian and bicycle facilities in your community.
Diane L. Kenneally, P.E.
Director, Office of Integrated Modal Services
New York State Department of Transportation
50 Wolf Rd, 6th Floor, Albany, NY 12232
Diane.Kenneally@dot.ny.gov
www.dot.ny.gov