Black Diamond Trail

Funding for Bridge Design Recommended

7May2009
Dear BDTEN:

You probably read today’s article in the Journal about funding for the BDT (in the jump of the front-page article, titled “Region’s Roads to Benefit from Stimulus Funds”).

The BDT has a clear ally in Fernando deAragon, director of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council, and we can take heart in the fact that the subcommittee of the Transportation Council that made the funding recommendations fully supported allocating $$ to the BDT.

Fernando explained via an email that the subcommittee had every intention of fully funding the two BDT bridges: “However, we got waylaid by the requirement that the money be obligated by mid-Sept. State Parks staff said that Albany is holding up all projects due to state budget battles, and construction by Sept. was unrealistic considering that they still need to produce the final design. So, the subcommittee recommended paying for the final design to be completed. That will position the project to receive funding at the next possible opportunity. This year has been full of surprises so it’s unclear what will be the next funding opportunity, maybe from additional stimulus funds or from the next TIP update (next spring).”

The very important, absolutely essential next step now is for Parks to get the bridge design process completed ASAP, using this $$ right away.

To be exact, the subcommittee that just recommended that $$ be allocated for BDT bridge design is comprised of planning and engineering STAFF from all the municipalities. They RECOMMEND; their recommendation will have to be voted on by the Council’s Planning Committee (comprised of our ELECTED municipal officials). Those discussions and vote will take place on May 12 and May 19. Fernando does not expect any opposition to funding the design of the BDT bridges. I will attend the meetings to witness the discussion and vote so that I can send you a report. These meetings are open to the public, so come if you can, even though we expect the vote to go in BDT’s favor.

May 12, 10:00 a.m., Borg Warner Rom, Tompkins Co. Library
May 19, 2:00 p.m. Transit Center, TCAT Office

Step by step, bridge by bridge,
Jan

http://blackdiamondtrail.org