KATKO OUTLINES CENTRAL NEW YORK INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES TO U.S. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

SYRACUSE, NY – In a call with the nation’s top transportation official, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) outlined a series of infrastructure projects critical to the future of Central New York, including the Interstate 81 rebuild.  Katko also expressed to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx his commitment to producing a long-term highway bill.

Following the call, Rep. Katko stated, “I had the privilege of speaking directly with Secretary Foxx on local projects of importance, and I appreciate his willingness to learn more about the infrastructure needs of our region.  I am committed to providing a strong voice for Central New York on local infrastructure projects – and especially on the reconstruction of Interstate 81. ”

Since taking office in January, Rep. Katko has fostered an ongoing discussion with local, state, and federal leaders on the Interstate 81 reconstruction project.  He has met with numerous constituents, businesses, and civic groups on local concerns associated with this project.  Earlier this year, he urged the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to ensure that a full range of options for the Interstate 81 reconstruction project were included in the New York state’s final scoping document for further study. 

“The I-81 reconstruction project is a once-in-a-generation decision that will shape our community’s infrastructure and economy for decades to come,” continued Katko. “I expressed to Secretary Foxx the importance of getting this project right for Central New York, and emphasized my willingness to be a partner for DOT.”

In addition to focusing on regional infrastructure, Rep. Katko highlighted the importance of delivering a sustainable, long-term highway bill as soon possible.

“Like Secretary Foxx, I am committed to working in a bipartisan manner to find a long-term solution to transportation funding so that we can provide stability and certainty for our local, state, and national infrastructure planning purposes.  I look forward to working with him as we move forward to produce a comprehensive bill,” concluded Katko.

Congressman John Katko represents the 24th Congressional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and a portion of Oswego County. He currently serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.  For more information, please visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.

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