ALBANY - The planned Albany Skyway will get another $5 million from the state as part of a multi-million-dollar infusion of funds to Capital Region transportation efforts.

The Skyway grant is part of $27 million announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Wednesday for the region and is the largest allocation of 11 projects getting local funds.

The linear park project will repurpose an underused I-787 exit ramp to connect Clinton Square to Albany's waterfront, and already received $3.1 million in state funds last year through the Department of Transportation to get the conversion started and the walkway open.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the money is another “shot in the arm” for the Skyway.

“It signals again that the governor has a very strong commitment to this project and to this city,” she said.

The new infrastructure investment is part of $144.6 million awarded to 72 projects across New York and will support construction of new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible sidewalks, more road safety and better access to public transportation.

Earlier this year, the Albany Common Council voted against borrowing $1.5 million to pay for preliminary and final design of enhanced amenities along the linear park, some arguing that money should be spent elsewhere, and the city should use the existing walkway to the waterfront on Maiden Lane.

Sheehan said she hopes the new cash sends a “strong signal to the commitment the state has to this project,” that will hopefully help ease councilmembers' concerns.

Skyway opponents also are concerned taxpayers will get stuck with the cost of maintenance and operation.

The project will be built in phases and is estimated to cost a total of nearly $16 million, but Sheehan said regular maintenance of the Skyway is something that can be absorbed within the city’s Department of General Services.

“As people look at the price tag for this, which is a significant investment, it’s also a catalyst,” she said. “If you want to transform a city, you have to do transformative projects.”

What entity will run the day-to-day operations of the linear park, envisioned as a way for entrepreneurs to sell their wares as well as a spot for events like concerts, is still being determined, Sheehan said.

Other projects that are receiving state funding include:

$4.4 million to the Capital District Transportation Authority to start a bus rapid transit service from South Albany to Waterford.

$3.6 million to CDTA for new transit and pedestrian access enhancements at the Harriman Campus and the University at Albany uptown and downtown campuses.

$2.9 million to the Bethlehem for new pedestrian accessibility enhancements and re-channelling the road along the Delaware Avenue corridor.

$2.5 million to the city of Rensselaer for better access to pedestrian and bicycle paths, including connections to the Empire State Trail.

$2.2 million to the town of Rotterdam for better pedestrian and bicycle access along Route 5S.

$1.9 million to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for a new multi-use trail and bridge crossing along the Taconic Region Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

$1.1 million to Glens Falls to build a trail connection between the Warren County Bikeway and the Feeder Canal Trail.

$911,000 to Warrensburg for better pedestrian access along River Street.

The projects were selected through a competitive process, and awardees presented plans that will increase options for transportation other than vehicles, cut vehicle emissions and traffic congestion, or both.

The $8 million the CDTA is receiving comes on the heels of $27 million in funding from the Federal Transportation Administration for the new rapid transit line.

CDTA officials said the $4.4 million for the rapid transit line will go to operations like fuel and personnel costs, while $3.6 million will help make bus stops safer and more accessible at the uptown and downtown UAlbany campuses as well as Harriman Campus.