Last Updated on Monday, 27 June 2011 09:04

June 20, 2011 --- Westchester County will use $250,000 in federal stimulus money and another $250,000 in federal and state aid to reduce its share of a $5.63 million capital project to improve bus stops throughout the county.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino has sent to the Board of Legislators a proposed capital project amendment, which would substitute the new funds for county funds that would have been raised by selling bonds. If approved by the legislators, the county’s share of the project would be $140,000 in county cash and $400,000 from bonds.

“This essential capital project will continue to fund needed improvements in and around bus stops,” said Astorino. “Our bus ridership remains high and we have to make sure that we maintain the bus stops so that they are safe, clean and handicap-accessible.”

The bulk of the funding for the project comes from federal funds, now $4.6 million, plus the $250,000 in stimulus funds.  The stimulus funds will be used to make improvements at the White Plains Bus Terminal including painting and new signage.  That project is expected to be completed by October of this year.

The county’s Department of Public Works & Transportation will continue to assess bus stops to determine which improvements may be needed, including lighting, paving, connections to sidewalks, seating, and bike racks.  The program will also include a review of wheel-chair accessibility of the stops, including a check of curb cuts.  The work will be coordinated with other road improvements proposed along County roads and will be an ongoing program.