North Country awarded $9.4 million for pedestrian projects
New York officials announced more than $97 million in Transportation Alternatives Program awards, including funding for sidewalk and crosswalk projects in Lewis County, North Elba and Colton.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced more than $97 million in Transportation Alternatives Program awards, including $9.4 million listed for North Country projects. The funding will support sidewalks, crosswalks and a pedestrian corridor in parts of Lewis County, North Elba and Colton.
The awards include $5.5 million for Lewis County to construct or reconstruct sidewalks in Beaver Falls, Port Leyden and Turin. The Town of North Elba received $3.1 million for sidewalks and crosswalks along Wesvalley Road. The Town of Colton received $731,923 to build sidewalks along State Route 56 and create a pedestrian corridor to Colton-Pierrepont Central School, according to the governor’s office.
The three named awards total about $9.33 million. The governor’s announcement lists the broader North Country total as $9.4 million.
How the program works
The Transportation Alternatives Program primarily supports projects benefiting bicyclists, pedestrians and other people who are not traveling by car. The statewide awards include 35 projects proposed by counties, towns, cities and villages.
Awards range from at least $500,000 to no more than $7 million per project. The New York State Department of Transportation can cover up to 80% of eligible costs, while the project sponsor must provide at least 20%. Eligible sponsors include local governments, transit agencies, public land agencies and tribal governments. Projects must be completed within five years of the award.
Lewis County has described its sidewalk work in Beaver Falls, Port Leyden and Turin as part of efforts to revitalize downtowns. The awards are separate from $3.5 million in state roadway safety funding announced for North Country barriers, striping and signs. They are also separate from a $1.1 million New York State Department of Transportation pedestrian project announced in May 2026 for Franklin and Clinton counties.
What happens next
The local sponsors must move through project design, procurement and construction while providing their required 20% match. Construction dates and other project timelines will depend on those steps.
Residents seeking updates or information about public input can contact Lewis County, the Town of North Elba or the Town of Colton. Local town and village boards or the county planning office are likely starting points for questions about the work.
The governor’s office announcement and the NYSDOT Transportation Alternatives Program guide and FAQs provide additional information about the awards and program requirements.
This was submitted by a ClickNNY user and has not been independently verified by ClickNNY.com editorial.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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