With transportation and infrastructure priorities coming to the forefront of conversation, local government officials are taking to the first step at addressing the topics.
Rep. Michael A. Arcuri hosted a roundtable discussion on Monday to gather a comprehensive assessment of local transportation priorities before Congress reauthorizes the federal highway bill next year.
The roundtable, held at Herkimer County Community College, brought together state officials, including Assemblyman Marc Butler and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, with local politicians, local Department of Transportation officials, including Michael Shamma, director of Region 2, and others.
“Transportation affects all of society,” said Arcuri. “The highest quality is essential.”
The current highway bill was authorized in 2005 and lasts until 2009. Arcuri, a member of the house’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the meeting will allow for direct federal funds to future projects and improvements. The current bill included $244 billion in improvements.
Arcuri said some previous projects to come from the bill include ventures on Route 12, at Union Station in Utica as well as other improvements in Utica, Cooperstown, Cortland and Geneva.
Monday’s discussion focused on the needs of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
“I’m confident that the knowledge and expertise (from those attending) will help,” said Arcuri.
One of Butler’s priorities was expanding mass transit systems, especially in rural areas.
“Even going to get groceries is becoming a burden,” said Butler.
Butler proposed looking into creating a north-south transit line, which he said could bring employees from Herkimer County and Remington Arms to and from work.
Destito said one of her priorities was to final the Adirondack Scenic Railroad and to provide more rail service, which Butler agreed with.
“Rail is something that needs more emphasis. Transportation is very closely linked to economic development,” said Butler.
Butler also said wants Route 5S to be fully accessible to accommodate the Frankfort South 5S Business Park, also known as the “Pumpkin Patch,” which is planned for economic development.
Arcuri is planning other roundtable discussions in other counties within his district in the next few weeks. On July 28 in Utica, he will host a field hearing with Rep. Jarrold Nadler, D-Manhattan, the highest ranking member of the New York delegation on the transportation committee, to present Nadler with the local priorities.