Schumer, Acuri Secure Pledge From NYS Dot to Use Federal Funding for RT 12 on Country RT 32 Bypass

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) announced that they have received a commitment from New York State's Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to use federal funding secured by Schumer and Arcuri for Route 12's County Route 32 bypass for through traffic. Schumer and Arcuri secured the funding through the FY2010 Consolidate Appropriations Act, signed into law in December, with the intent of it being used for improvements to the Route 12 corridor, specifically for the Route 12 Task Force's Phase II study recommendation to complete County Route 32 as a bypass for through traffic.

The commitment came in response to a letter written by Schumer and Arcuri to NYS DOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee in which they emphasized that the funding was intended for the bypass, and should be used as such. Schumer and Arcuri pressed NYS DOT to honor Congress's intent for the Route 12 corridor funding.

"I'm glad that NYS DOT is fully cooperating with Congress to use these funds for Route 12 improvements," Schumer said. "This project will put people to work and improve traffic flow in Chenango County. One of the keys to economic growth is having workable transportation infrastructure and these funds will do just that. I would like to particularly express my gratitude to Acting Commissioner Gee for agreeing to commit these funds for these purposes."

"Securing funding to make improvements to the Route 12 corridor has been one of my top priorities," said Arcuri. "This project will create jobs, now, and relieve the traffic congestion that has plagued this vital stretch of highway, helping local businesses move goods and supplies more efficiently and keeping the roads safe for area motorists. I am glad to see Commissioner Gee's commitment to investing in our local infrastructure as it will serve as an economic driver for the entire region."

Schumer and Arcuri secured $487,000 for Route 12 in the Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act. While the language in the bill states that the money is intended for Route 12 improvements, it does not legally require that NYS DOT used the funding specifically for the Rt. 32 bypass for through traffic. Recently, Schumer and Arcuri called on DOT to publically commit to using the money for the intended purpose. Schumer and Arcuri were concerned because; though the bills were passed late last year, there had been no commitment by New York State to use the money as intended. Today's commitment by NYS DOT is a victory everyone who travels on Route 12.

Schumer and Arcuri have helped to secure over $20 million in funding for Route 12 over their terms in Congress.

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