Maffei Calls on State DOT to Provide More Options for the Future of I-81

Press Release

Today Represent Dan Maffei (D-NY) called on the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to provide other options for the future of Interstate Route 81. Maffei said that the two options NYSDOT presented last week are insufficient and Central New Yorkers deserve more options.

"The two options NYSDOT presented last week aren't enough," said Rep. Dan Maffei."Central New York deserves more than these two options. This is one of the most important decisions affecting the economic vitality of our region that will ever be made. It's a decision that needs to be made by citizens in Central New York, not officials in Albany or Washington. Communities throughout Central New York have different needs and priorities when it comes to this project. We must learn from past planning mistakes. The options NYSDOT has provided are not satisfactory. I urge them to provide us with more than just these two options."

Maffei sent a letter to the NYSDOT Thursday, urging them to provide Central New Yorkers with more than just two options for the future of I-81. Last week NYSDOT held a forum in Syracuse to present its I-81 study as well as two options for I-81 it deemed feasible. The first option determined that I-81 could be torn down and reconstructed into an elevated highway similar but larger than the existing structure to accommodate updated highway standards. The second option would also tear down the current structure and in its place create a boulevard with stoplights and long crosswalks.

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