Rochester Reporter

U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congressman Joe Morelle, have announced a $100 million federal grant for Rochester's Inner Loop North Transformation Project. The funding aims to reconnect disadvantaged neighborhoods to downtown Rochester by removing the Inner Loop expressway and replacing it with a multimodal network of streets.

Senator Schumer stated, "Today a transportation transformation begins for Rochester. I am proud to deliver a whopping $100 million from our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law for Rochester to transform the Inner Loop, reconnect communities, and pave the way for the next phase of downtown Rochester’s revitalization."

The project seeks to address historical issues caused by the construction of the Inner Loop in the 1950s and 1960s, which displaced many communities. Senator Gillibrand emphasized its importance: "This $100 million in funding will revitalize Rochester, promote growth, and build stronger, more equitable, and more livable communities."

Congressman Morelle highlighted efforts to reunify neighborhoods: "I’m proud to have partnered with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to secure this funding that will bring us one step closer to completing our work and correcting the injustices of the past."

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed support for this initiative: "This funding will play a key role in making our vision for a fully revitalized Rochester a reality."

The Reconnecting Communities grant program from which this funding is sourced was crafted by Schumer and Gillibrand as part of earlier legislation. It aims to remove barriers like old highways that limit connectivity.

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans commented on the project's significance: "This incredible $100 million investment in Rochester's Inner Loop North Transformation Project positions our city for lasting progress."

Local organizations such as Reconnect Rochester praised the initiative's potential impact on equity and connectivity.

Senator Jeremy Cooney noted its importance in addressing past wrongs: “The Inner Loop North Transformation project is about righting the wrongs of the past.”

Assemblyman Demond Meeks acknowledged ongoing community challenges: “We must be intentional about reunifying these communities.”

Community leaders Antonio Apollonio & Martin Pedraza expressed gratitude towards elected officials for their leadership in securing this funding.