Unsatisfied with verbal assurances from NYSDOT Region 10 that it had not, in fact, scrapped the Local Safe Streets and Traffic Calming (LSSTC) Grant Program, TSTC filed a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request last month to obtain documentation of grant disbursements, along with implementation and budget reports pertaining to the program.

What we received was a mixed bag.

While it is true the grant program, which was established in 2000 for pedestrian and bike projects throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, is still technically on the books at Region 10, there have been no solicitations, awards, or even program announcements of its existence since 2006.

At $2.7 million a year over three years, this amounts to over $8 million lost for cycling, pedestrian and traffic calming improvements on Long Island.

On the bright side, however, Tri-State also learned NYSDOT does intend to restart the program this fall. According to the  July 2009 update of the state transportation improvement program (the “blueprint” for transportation spending), Region 10 will be soliciting funding proposals in the fall of 2009, with local design of selected projects in September 2010 and construction in September 2011.  Presumably the process would repeat itself each fall through 2012.

Unfortunately, however, the funding levels remain at 2006 levels.

Considering this program is popular with Long Island towns and villages,  Region 10 should, at the very least, replenish the program with the $8 million lost since 2006, in addition to the annual $2.7 million appropriation.

Doing so would make up for time lost and further encourage Long Island towns to create safer and more balanced streets.