Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was in Buffalo on Friday to announce a major push for the $25 million RAISE program grant, which will help continue the project "Cars on Main" that the Senator advocates for the City of Buffalo.
"For two decades now I have made Main Street in Buffalo one of my very top priorities. We delivered more than $33 million to bring vehicle traffic back to Main Street, a project which is finally in the homestretch. Now we're turning our attention to middle Main Street. Ask anyone here and they will tell you for too long, that main street here has not been a link to downtown, but a barrier. Just look at the potholes. You look at how it's done. It really needs improvement," said Senator Schumer.
The U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant application, known formerly as BUILD or TIGER, will transform nearly 2.5 miles of roadway on Main increasing safety, adding bike lanes, boosting walkability as well as potentially breathe new economic energy to reconnect communities.
"It is a grant for middle Main Street, a $25 million grant and it will be part of a $42 million project to invest in infrastructure on Main Street, to make the streets safer, to bring the street into the 21st century, to make the ease of commute better and smoother for different multi mobility users, as well as pedestrians. While we are seeking this grant, every time the Senator has supported one of these major federal infrastructure grants for the city, we have been successful in securing that grant," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
This money, if received, is part of a larger Buffalo initiative called BEAMS (Building Equity and Assuring Mobility through Sustainability). This project looks to revitalize a portion of Main Street next to the Masten Park neighborhood to connect East Buffalo to downtown via a more "walkable" street.
"We have $17 million already right now and we are actively designing that work. That's phase one. We are out right now doing the design and seeking public input on that. So residents and members of the community have the opportunity to comment on that. The project website is www.buffalo ny.gov/middlemain. We have a survey with some renderings up there right now to seek public input. That phase will start next year in 2023 and we're confident with the sound of their support and grid advocacy that phase two will follow up right after that," said Buffalo Public Works Commissioner, Michael Finn.
This project is specifically designed to:
- Completely mill and repave the roadway, addressing the pothole problems and allow for a safer traffic design.
- Add new crosswalks and curbs with Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps and signal infrastructure.
- Create raised accessible bike lanes with barriers to prevent accidents.
- Improve the aesthetics of the roadway with benches, bike racks, signage, LED lighting and greenspace.
- Showcase local artists and artisans with commissioned works meant to highlight Buffalo's rich and cultural heritages.