Designing a Strong and Healthy New York State’s (DASH-NY) first policy agenda led to big wins in Albany this year. Governor Cuomo’s new budget now includes the largest public transportation package in history—a key priority for DASH-NY and DASH coalition member the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
On April 1st the budget provides targeted funding to public transit systems across the state. While the transit package lacks the transparency DASH-NY and its member organizations asked for, it includes a five-year capital plan for non-MTA transit, providing yearly funds to support desperately needed supplies, repairs and infrastructure, another first for New York State. Capital projects will receive a total of $84.5 million, a boon to transit riders across the state.
Unfortunately, the transit bill left out an essential item—dedicated funding for Complete Streets was not included. Yet, advocates remain hopeful about funding for coming years. This was the first year Complete Streets funding made it to the Assembly’s one house budget, leaving room to negotiate through the Department of Transportation’s appropriation plans and providing a jumping off point for next year.
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