Orange County wants to hear from the public about its transportation plan.
Public Input Needed for Long-Term Transportation Plan in Orange County
Attention Orange County residents! We want to hear from you regarding a new long-term transportation plan that will shape the future of transportation in our community for years to come. Your input is crucial in guiding the development of transportation infrastructures and services.
To share your thoughts and ideas, we have created an online survey that will be open until August 28th. This is your chance to make a difference and contribute to the plan that will directly impact your daily commute and overall transportation experience.
Why Your Input Matters
“The more input we get, the better and more responsive the plan will be to the needs of the community,” said Alan Sorensen, head of the Orange County Transportation Council.
As part of the federal funding requirements, the Orange County Transportation Council is responsible for developing a new countywide transportation plan every four years. This plan serves as the foundation for receiving federal funding.
One of the key topics under discussion is the development of hiking and biking trails. These trails are expected to play a significant role in the final plan, with a focus on creating a cohesive active transportation system throughout the county. The goal is to provide safe and convenient routes for bicyclists and pedestrians, separate from highways.
Active transportation refers to human-powered means of getting around, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Currently, there are two federally funded projects in the works to expand the Heritage Trail network in Orange County. One project aims to extend the downtown Middletown trail to Ingrassia Road in the Town of Wallkill, while the other plans to create a 10-mile Schunnemunk Trail reaching the Salisbury Mills train station. The starting point of the latter trail is Camp LaGuardia, a former New York City homeless shelter that will be transformed into a county park.
We value your opinion on these trail projects and other related topics. The survey covers various aspects, including separate bike and pedestrian pathways, protected bikeways, and e-bike charging and storage programs. Your feedback will help shape the future of transportation in Orange County.
While roads, highways, and bridges currently receive the largest portion of federal transportation funding in Orange County, we are committed to considering a diverse range of projects. For example, a major highway improvement project is underway for Exit 122 on Route 17 in the Town of Wallkill, with an estimated cost of $80 million and completion expected by 2025. Additionally, plans are in place to rehabilitate the interstate bridge over the Delaware River connecting Port Jervis and Matamoras, with a budget ranging from $15 to $25 million.
Most federal transportation funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, with a requirement for 20 percent local matches. In some cases, the New York State Department of Transportation also contributes to the funding.
As of August, there are over 150 federally funded transportation projects within Orange County, out of nearly 1,000 in the Hudson Valley region.
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