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Showing posts with label highway funding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label highway funding. Show all posts

Seward Propels Budget Funding to Reopen Worcester I-88 Rest Stop

Written By Editor on 3/31/14 | 3/31/14

ALBANY, 03/30/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced that the agreed upon 2014-15 state budget includes, at his insistence, funding to reopen the NYSDOT rest area along I-88 eastbound between exits 18 and 19 in Worcester.

“I denounced the NYSDOT decision to close this rest area four years ago, and have been working ever since to reverse this affront to public safety,” said Senator Seward.  “Finally, we will be able to tear down the barricades and reopen this service facility, critical to the motoring public.”

In 2010, the New York State Department of Transportation closed six rest areas on interstate highways in what was touted as a temporary measure.  To date, none have reopened.

“When the closures were first announced, I voiced my concern, particularly for the safety of truck drivers who make their living and support their families traveling our highways.  Since that time a host of accidents involving tractor trailers, including one with a fatality, have occurred near the Worcester rest stop.  No doubt some of these crashes could have been avoided if a safe haven was open,”Seward added.

Senator Seward also advocated for budget funds to reopen the I-88 Wells Bridge rest stop (westbound between exits 11 and 12) which was also closed in 2010.

“While the Wells Bridge rest stop was not specifically funded in this state budget agreement, I will continue to advocate for its reopening as well.  In this day and age, when so much attention is focused on ‘texting zones’ and similar measures, we need to enhance highway safety not reduce it,” Seward added.

NYSDOT personnel have  already started to coordinate plans to refurbish and prepare the Worcester rest area for public use.  A formal opening date will be announced shortly.

Seward Paves Way For Additional Highway Funding

Written By Editor on 3/8/14 | 3/8/14

ALBANY, 03/05/14 -- On Wednesday afternoon State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) joined senate colleagues to call on Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders to increase state funding for local highway improvements. 

“Local roads, bridges, and culverts are the backbone of our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Seward. “We need a comprehensive strategy, along with state funding, to improve these key transportation components to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality.”

Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

Senator Seward was one of a dozen senators to sign a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders calling for:

  • A $50 million increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding in the 2014-15 budget;
  • Creation of a dedicated $200 million “State Aid to Local Bridges and Culverts Program” to address local priorities.
Senator Seward was joined by county and town highway superintendents from across New York at a Capitol news conference announcing the call for additional state funding. 

“Last year I was able to help secure an additional $75 million in CHIPs funding, the first increase to the program in five years.  The added funding helps the dedicated men and women who maintain our local roads do so at a cost taxpayers can afford.  Continued, consistent state support is critical,”Seward concluded.

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