Regional Briefs – August 18, 2016

Christie Funding ‘Absolutely Essential’ Road Projects

TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie late Wednesday ordered state officials to fund “absolutely essential” road projects after the legislature has not replenished the state’s transportation trust fund, The Associated Press reported. He ordered a shutdown of most projects in June.

Cuomo Orders Review Of JFK Airport Scare

NEW YORK – Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced a review of Sunday night’s scare at JFK Airport prompted by false reports of gunfire, The Associated Press reported. NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said the incident offers a chance to review law enforcement coordination during crises.

NYC Pumps $150 Million Into 5 City Parks

NEW YORK – Five of NYC’s largest parks will get new soccer fields, hiking trails and other improvements with $150 million in new funding Thursday. They are St. Mary’s in the Bronx, Highbridge in Manhattan, Betsy Head in Brooklyn, Astoria in Queens and Freshkills on Staten Island.

Historic Albany Building Safe As Nearby Structure Razed

ALBANY – A run-down building next door to Albany’s oldest structure was torn down Thursday morning, leaving its historic neighbor built in 1728 unscathed, The Associated Press reported. The work comes three days after floors inside collapsed and a crack formed on an outside wall.

Jamaica Section of Queens Wins $10M in State Money

ALBANY – Jamaica, a Queens neighborhood, won $10 million in state money Wednesday to help it revitalize its downtown. The money is part of an overall $100 million contest intended to help communities around the state make their urban cores more attractive.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the August 19th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.