August 02, 2005
New York

Driving around New York City could soon be a little easier thanks to an infusion of federal funds.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Tuesday that the city is getting more than $70 million from the federal government to improve traffic conditions in the five boroughs.

Bloomberg said the money will be used to lessen congestion and improve traffic safety, which should, in turn, lessen air pollution. The mayor said the clearing up traffic jams will also help local businesses and lower asthma rates.

Over the next four years, the money will go towards an alternative fuel program, pedestrian and bicycle lane development, and electronic traffic management improvements, as well as walk-to-school and Asthma Free School Zone programs.

The city has already selected nine streets that will be studied for ways to improve traffic flow. Included are portions of Nostrand and Church Avenues in Brooklyn, White Plains and Fordham Roads in the Bronx, West 181st & West 96th Streets in Manhattan, Woodhaven and Northern Boulevards in Queens and Amboy Road in Staten Island.