NYSDOT OPENS I-81 OPPORTUNITIES OUTREACH CENTER

ALBANY, NY (01/16/2014)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today joined with Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner to announce the opening of a new I-81 Opportunities Outreach Center at the historic Carnegie Building at 335 Montgomery Street in Syracuse. The center will provide an additional resource for area residents to access information and ask questions about the I-81 viaduct project.

"Public input will play a valuable role as we move forward with the I-81 Opportunities project, and we want to ensure that the public has easy access to information about the process, ask questions and make comments," said Commissioner McDonald. "I want to thank Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney for allowing us to use the Carnegie Building and for working with us to make sure residents have access to the information they need."

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, "Thank you to Governor Cuomo and Commissioner McDonald for opening the I-81 Opportunities Outreach Center in Syracuse. This center will allow members of the public to gain good information to make informed decisions about the future of I-81 in our community."

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner said, "Engaging our citizens must be a top priority as we examine the future of I-81. A decision of this magnitude requires the best possible effort to involve and educate the community. Opening up the Carnegie building as a center for public information lends more transparency to this process, and provides the people of our community new opportunities to make sure their voices are heard."

The I-81 Opportunities Outreach Center is located on the main floor of the building, and will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center will be staffed by two members of the I-81 Opportunities project team, and all of the information shared with the public at the initial scoping meeting will be available – including the informational boards displayed at the meeting and the scoping information packet. Visitors will have access to comment forms, and a computer will be provided so visitors can submit comments online. The center also will be used for meetings about the project.

The building is accessible to people with disabilities.

An initial public scoping meeting about the project was held November 13, 2013. NYSDOT is accepting public comments for the initial scoping period through January 17. A second scoping meeting and comment period about the project will be held later this year.

For information, or to submit comments on the project, please visit the project website at www.i81opportunities.org or call the project hotline at 1-855-I81-TALK (855-481-8255).

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