Chairman Mica Joins Rep. Buerkle in Syracuse for Tour of Connective Cooridor

Press Release

Today, Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (NY 25) welcomed Chairman John Mica (FL 7) to Syracuse for a visit with local community leaders and a tour of the Syracuse Connective Corridor project. Rep. Mica is Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"I want to thank Chairman Mica for taking time from his busy schedule to visit Syracuse. It was an honor to have the opportunity to show him the Syracuse Connective Corridor and introduce him to Chancellor Cantor."

"Seeing the Syracuse Connective Corridor with Congresswoman Buerkle reinforces my commitment to assist communities like Syracuse with enactment of a long-term federal transportation bill. The Corridor is an outstanding example of what local, state, and federal governments, academia and the private sector can accomplish if we develop a framework in Washington that allows for returning federal revenues to projects like this that will improve the community, create jobs, and renew our infrastructure." John L. Mica (R-FL), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"It is important that Chairman Mica be able to see how federal funds have been used to improve some of the most depressed properties in the City of Syracuse. His committee will consider important legislation in the coming weeks and months, and today's tour gives him firsthand knowledge of what Syracuse is looking to do to link the University to downtown." Rep. Buerkle commented on Chairman Mica's visit.

Buerkle continued, "The Connective Corridor project is an example of how the Federal government can have real and legitimate impact on the economic health of a region by supporting improvements to local infrastructure. Five of our region's top ten employers are located in the University area on the Hill, yet for years they have been geographically cut off from downtown. A vibrant city is essential in creating a strong economic environment that is attractive to businesses and developers."

The Syracuse Connective Corridor is designed to connect the University Hill with downtown Syracuse. The Corridor project includes bike paths, imaginative lighting, public and interactive art and directional systems that will help spur cultural and economic development. Infrastructure investments to the area will improve transportation, enhance the streetscapes and create pedestrian and bicycle routes from the University hill to Downtown Syracuse.

Rep. Buerkle also had the opportunity to discuss some of the other local projects currently seeking federal support including: the Central New York Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range Initiative. A proposal for consideration of Central New York as a UAS test range is being developed.

Rep. Mica and Rep. Buerkle were joined for the tour by Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli and staff from both Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse .

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