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(WNY News Now) By lowering bridge strikes and improving infrastructure, the new Schepps Corners Road Bridge improves safety and connectivity in Central New York.Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared the completion of a $5 million bridge replacement project on Onondaga County's New York State Thruway. In the Town of Manlius, a new bridge was built in place of the Schepps Corners Road bridge (milepost 274.4). Both on schedule and within budget, the project was finished.According to Governor Hochul, funding vital infrastructure is an investment in our communities' safety and connectedness.We are pleased to have completed this bridge replacement on schedule and on budget, and it will give the residents of Central New York the superior quality they deserve.To lessen bridge impacts from over...

(WNY News Now) In an effort to prevent fatalities and lower crash rates, Allegany County is stepping up its efforts to combat drunk driving this Thanksgiving with the beginning of the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign.November 27–December 1, 2024 is the date of the Allegany County, NYSTOP-DWI Impaired Driving High Visibility Engagement Campaign.Today, Allegany County Administrator Carissa Knapp declared that the STOP-DWI Coordinator and Allegany County police agencies will take part in specific initiatives to raise awareness of the risks associated with driving while intoxicated.Millions of people will travel over Thanksgiving holiday in anticipation of spending time with friends and relatives. It's one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and sadly, there is a greater cha...

(WNY News Now) In an effort to improve educational opportunities and address healthcare inequities in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the CUNY School of Medicine will become an independent institution.Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared that the City University of New York is creating the CUNY School of Medicine as a distinct entity from the university itself. Through the change, the 50-year-old institution will be able to increase its influence, streamline accreditation, and further its dual mission of producing diverse medical professionals and offering high-quality healthcare services to underprivileged communities throughout New York City, where over half of the population identifies as Black or Latino and only 16% of those communities have doctors.Every studen...

(WNY News Now) As drought conditions worsen and wildfires become a greater hazard throughout the state, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams advise New Yorkers to practice water conservation.Due to a persistent lack of rainfall and diminishing groundwater and streamflow levels, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today raised 15 counties to drought warning status and issued a statewide drought watch. Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester are among the counties that are under drought warning. Residents in the impacted counties, especially those who rely on private groundwater wells, are being urged by New York State to use as little water as possible in the upcoming weeks.A statewide dro...

The man who allegedly went on a stabbing rampage and killed three peopleAccording to records, Monday was free on bail for other alleged crimes in New Jersey after being freed from New York City jail a month prior. Ramon Rivera, 51, was formally informed that he faces three charges of first-degree murder at his initial appearance before a Manhattan judge on Tuesday. Rivera was "wearing a grey sweatshirt that appeared to have bloodstains on it and dark pants," according to a criminal complaint, and he was carrying two knives when he was apprehended by police on Monday. Environmental Revitalization: Restores underutilized land into a thriving community asset. Community Impact: Establishes a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, enhancing connectivity and lifestyle. Economic Growth: Provides much...

(WNY News Now) While a statewide burn restriction is still in place due to increased fire risk, Governor Kathy Hochul announces a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help fight the biggest wildfire in New York since 2008.Today, Governor Kathy Hochul obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration from FEMA, which makes it possible to receive federal cash to help pay for some of the expenses related to the ongoing firefighting activities in Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park. When an uncontrolled fire poses a serious threat of destruction, this declaration starts an accelerated review procedure that may result in FEMA granting assistance. The grant's funding would help the state and local governments cover some of the expenses associated with battling this fire, such as la...

(WNY News Now) New 270-Unit Development Offers Safe, Supportive Homes for Seniors and Families in Bay Street Corridor.Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of The Pearl, a new 270-unit mixed-use affordable housing development in Staten Island s Bay Street Corridor neighborhood. The $155 million project includes 138 apartments for formerly unhoused seniors with on-site supportive services, and retail space. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 500 affordable homes on Staten Island. The Pearl continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.The Pearl is a shining example of how increasing housing suppl...

(WNY News Now) – Governors Hochul and Murphy, alongside the Port Authority, propose a groundbreaking 50% fare reduction for PATH commuters with disabilities, set to launch in Summer 2025.Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Phil Murphy and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the proposal of a new reduced fare program for customers with disabilities using the PATH system. The 50 percent fare reduction would match the reduced fare program currently available for senior riders. If approved, riders could begin applying for the program in spring 2025, with the reduced fare implemented in the summer as PATH continues rolling out its TAPP tap-to-pay system.“Easy access to convenient, reliable and affordable public transportation is a basic right that everyone should be able to enjo...