SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NIAGARA COUNTY RECEIVES NEARLY $1 MILLION THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW TO REPLACE DETERIORATING HARTLAND ROAD BRIDGE OVER GOLDEN HILL CREEK IN SOMERSET

Schumer, Gillibrand: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Just Helped Bridge The Gap For Critical Bridge Replacement In Niagara County

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Niagara County received $959,304 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to replace the structurally deteriorating Hartland Road Bridge over Golden Hill Creek. Schumer said that this major federal boost comes from the historic increases he was able to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act

“The Hartland Road Bridge over Golden Hill Creek is a vital connector in Niagara County, but for years its aging infrastructure has put pedestrians and motorists in harm’s way, and hindered economic development. That is why I am so proud to be able to deliver nearly $1 million to upgrade this vital link before repairs proved a bridge too far,” said Senator Schumer. “This much needed investment will ensure our agriculture community in Niagara County can continue to grow and give our rural communities the support they need to continue to grow the Western New York regional economy. Improvements in agribusiness bridges will be essential to Niagara County’s economy by investing in the community and the people that work here now, and for generations to come.”

“This is a critical investment in Niagara County’s infrastructure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to have fought to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to secure nearly $1 million to upgrade the Hartland Road Bridge, promote regional economic growth, and improve safety standards, and I’ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars to Western New York.”

"I am very excited to see the funding is now in place for the replacement of the Hartland Road Bridge in Town of Somerset," said Niagara County Legislator Shawn Foti. "Investing in the upkeep of our infrastructure in rural communities is a top priority, especially in support of our agriculture industry.  So, we are very appreciative when our partners in government, like Senator Schumer, are able to deliver funds for these important projects."

Agribusiness is one the top contributors to Niagara County’s GDP, with almost 800 farms comprising around 40% of the County’s acreage. Underdeveloped roads in rural areas are one of the leading issues holding back Niagara County’s agribusiness industry. Specifically, this funding will help replace the Hartland Road Bridge with a longer, wider bridge to accommodate larger agricultural vehicles, including new abutment, footing, and wing walls to increase safety to modern standards. This is the first step in reinforcing rural infrastructure that has not been touched in nearly half a century.

Schumer and Gillibrand said the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law created the new Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program with $1 billion in funding over five years, helping make today’s grant possible.

The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program support projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life.