Harlem Rep Espaillat Reintroduces Increased Funding For Pedestrian Infrastructure Projects

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat reintroduced the Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act.

The Act would make several improvements to the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program and fund a variety of small-scale community transportation projects to help improve pedestrian safety and access to transit, constructe bicycle facilities and infrastructure, environmental mitigation, and more.

“I am proud to reintroduce the Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act to help communities around the nation build better bicycling and walking infrastructure, such as trails, pedestrian and bike bridges, and various other projects that will connect and provide residents with alternative routes to travel in their local communities. I strongly believe this bill will encourage local governments to rethink the way they use transportation dollars to make their infrastructure not only more accessible, but also better for our environment and better for residents’ health. These projects will also contribute to better pedestrian and biker safety, stemming the recent, disturbing growth in fatalities,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the only member representing New York City, which is home to the largest transportation system in the nation.

“Investments in Washington state’s infrastructure support major modes of transportation like planes, buses and cars, but they ensure the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians, too,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Local leaders in Bellingham and Lynnwood are already committing to more sidewalks, trails and bike lanes to better connect parts of their respective cities, particularly in underserved areas. I will continue to support efforts to ensure Northwest Washington’s communities have the resources to improve safety and equity, increase mobility and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.”

“On behalf of the millions of people in America who bike for transportation, for their health, and for fun, the League of American Bicyclists applauds the continued leadership of Reps. Espaillat and Larsen in re-introducing the Transportation Alternatives Enhancement Act,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This bill would transform the way Americans experience our transportation system by increasing funding for projects that make biking and walking safer and more accessible, plus making critical changes to the program that will foster equity and enable more Americans to benefit from Transportation Alternatives projects. As our country faces interconnected crises, Congress can move our nation towards a sustainable recovery by passing this legislation and taking a step in building a more Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.”

“During the coronavirus pandemic, we have observed record increases in rates of people walking and bicycling – as well as increases in traffic injuries and fatalities,” said Cassandra Isidro, executive director of the Safe Routes Partnership. “It is more apparent than ever that communities both want and need to make walking and biking safe, easy, and available options for their residents. The Transportation Alternatives Program is the key source of funds for communities working to create safe, connected routes to school, retail, parks, jobs, and health care. The Safe Routes Partnership applauds Representative Espaillat for his leadership to expand and strengthen the Transportation Alternatives Program and for making the program more equitable and accessible to communities across the country. ”

First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his second term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Small Business Committee.

He serves as a Senior Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he also serves in a leadership role as CHC Whip.

He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillat’s Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx.

To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.