APRIL 3, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATURE MAJORITY LEADS UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF STIMULUS FUNDS FOR MAPLE ROAD WORK

The Erie County Legislature Democratic Majority led the Erie County Legislature in unanimously approving using federal stimulus funds to help rebuild and rehabilitate Maple Road in Amherst at its April 2 session.

The County Legislature, following the review and approval of the Economic Development Committee, chaired by Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-South Buffalo), approved a construction contract and a change order for construction inspection services, as well as engineering services and acquisition of rights-of way, for the reconstruction of Maple Road from Niagara Falls Boulevard (US Route 62) to Flint Road. Also included in the project will be the reconstruction of North Bailey Avenue from Maple Road to Romney Road in Amherst.

About $7 million in federal stimulus funding will be used for this project, estimated to cost about $12,793,000, and with other federal and state aid worked in, the local share required for the Maple Road project is $2,257,000. The actual cost to Erie County is estimated at about $290,000. The project has been approved by the New York State Department of Transportation in its current capital program to be funded with federal aid funds, and is tentatively scheduled for letting on April 23, 2009.

"The County Legislature acted in a fiscally prudent manner in voting to take advantage of $7 million in federal stimulus funds for this project," Legislator Kennedy said. "I am pleased that the County Legislature saw the importance of reconstructing and improving Maple Road and in using federal stimulus aid to fund much of the work. This project will provide for hundreds of construction jobs and help to make the infrastructure of this well-traveled corridor as grand as the taxpayers deserve it to be."

"The County Legislature is acting to help stop the deterioration of Maple Road and lessen the congestion and other problems for the traveling public," County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Tonawanda, Buffalo) said. "This is necessary work that will improve the travel conditions of residents, business owners, shoppers, students and others traversing the area."

The right-of-way acquisition costs are estimated at $77,900, and up to 95 percent of that cost for four parcels of land are federal and state reimbursable. The easements are needed for intersection improvements on Maple Road at Flint, North Forest and Hopkins roads.

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