On June 23, New York's Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state would be awarding $178.8 million in funding to 75 communities across New York State to help finance projects in those communities that further encourage people to either walk, bike, or hike in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions for a healthier environment.

The funds could be used to construct new sidewalks, walking trails, or shared-use paths. Oneonta is one of the 75 communities lucky enough to benefit from these New York State funds according to Senator Peter Oberacker and will get $5M to create sidewalks and a shoulder for Routes 23 and 28 for pedestrians and those on bicycles.

Oberacker says that a project to create sidewalks along James F. Lettis/Leslie Foster Highway (which runs from Oneonta's Southside to Oneonta's Main St.) along with sections along NYS Route 23 and Rt. 28 (from Main St. to Lantern Hill Mobile Home Park) through Oneonta's commercial area has been in the works for a long time and is happy to see state funding coming through for this needed project to not only promote more foot and bicycle traffic for the betterment of the environment but also to make it safe to do so.

This is great news considering Oneonta's seen some tragic accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists being hit by vehicles along these routes. There's no word yet on when the construction of these walkways would begin. Hopefully soon since these roads, especially Lettis Hwy. gets a lot of foot traffic.

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