Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel and Congresswoman Nita Lowey secured a preliminary $900,000 in funding for the Yonkers Ashburton Avenue Corridor as part of the FY 2010 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.

The funding will be used to widen the Ashburton Avenue corridor, which is an important link in tying the downtown waterfront to the Saw Mill River and Cross County Parkways, as well as the New York State Thruway. This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

“The widening of Ashburton Avenue is a vital cog in the plan to redevelop the beautiful Yonkers waterfront sector, and to better provide access to the rest of the city for residents. The historical Ashburton Avenue neighborhood is not only a link to the Yonkers of yesteryear, but it is an important bridge to the Yonkers of the future. Through projects such as this, we can help make sure Ashburton Avenue will continue to play a substantial role,” said Rep. Engel.

“Improving the transportation infrastructure of Yonkers is key to livability and long-term economic development,” said Lowey. “This project will help improve access to the Yonkers waterfront and advance the city’s ability to remain vital in the future. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will work to ensure the full Committee and Congress maintains this critical funding.”

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important project was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

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