New York Infrastructure Bank Begins Funding Projects, Just Days After Creation

Andrea Bernstein reports on the recent announcement of $1.2 billion in road and bridge project funding by the New York Works infrastructure bank, just days after its creation and before appointees to its administrative committee could even be named.

1 minute read

April 4, 2012, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Governor Andrew Cuomo sure isn't wasting any time in utilizing New York State's new $15 billion infrastructure bank. Just days after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the funding bill for his "New York Works" infrastructure bank into law, the Governor announced yesterday a raft of accelerated statewide road and bridge projects.

According to Bernstein, "The funding will accelerate road and bridge projects across the state, with the largest single payment - nearly half a billion dollars - going to replace the Kosciuszko Bridge between Brooklyn and Queens in New York City...The $1.2 billion in accelerated funding comes on top of $1.6 billion in previously planned spending on roads and bridges. It does not include the more than $5 billion replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge, a project which has drawn fire for its lack of mass transit."

Although the selected projects are seen as necessary, the announcement was not without its critics, who raised concerns with the bank's "disbursement of funds before its governing structure has even been named."

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in Transportation Nation

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

4 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

5 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

6 hours ago - Cities Today