Car Tires

AP

UTICA, N.Y. — More than $54 million in federal highway safety grants will support over 500 traffic safety programs across New York State this year, including in Utica. 

According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, $54.3 million was awarded to 556 projects and programs for the 2026 federal fiscal year.

The grants will help fund enforcement efforts, public education campaigns, child passenger safety programs and community awareness projects.

The goal is to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries from crashes.

One of the new grants includes more than $180,000 for a partnership between the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and American Automobile Association.

This partnership will focus on education and outreach for younger and older driver safety, as well as bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Activities will include Teen Safety Summits in Utica and Garden City, bicycle rodeos and safe walking education for school-age children.

Law enforcement agencies statewide also receive grants to increase patrols and prevent impaired and reckless driving during busy travel periods.

Last year, 675,945 tickets were issued during enforcement efforts targeting impaired driving, speeding and distracted driving.

The Mohawk Valley region will receive $361,316 in grant funding.