Stimulus project planned

A $2 million plan to construct a new “shared-use” path that connects Eisenhower Park in East Meadow to other areas in the Hub was unveiled last week by Governor David Paterson.

The seven-mile path to begin in Mitchell Park will be funded through some of the state’s portion of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). It will serve non-motorized transportation, including bicycles and pedestrians, and connect it to areas including Mitchell Field, Eisenhower Park, Nassau Community College, the Nassau Coliseum and Hofstra University.

Paterson said the state has allocated $137 million for transportation improvements on Long Island, and about 90 percent of the $ 1.1 billion available for highway and bridge projects statewide.

“Thanks to President Obama and the New York State congressional delegation,” Paterson said, “these infrastructure investments will continue to create or save important construction jobs here on Long Island and in communities all over New York.”

"This funding will make it easier for Long Islanders to access Mitchell Field and some of Nassau County’s most significant recreational centers and is a step in the right direction of revitalizing the area,” said Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola). The construction of this shared use path is another example of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at work in Nassau County, improving Long Island’s infrastructure and getting Americans back to work.”

A state Department of Transportation official said Nassau County is the lead agency of the project. Requests made to the county for more information on the plans were not returned as the Herald went to press. It is unclear how the path could impact the proposed Lighthouse project, a planned redevelopment of the Hub.

Officials said the project is expected to start this year, and will be completed next summer.