Senator Kennedy Hosts Roundtable Forum to Discuss Impact of DOT Funding Error on WNY Economy and Infrastructure

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Western New York was shortchanged by about $167 million in infrastructure funding after the Department of Transportation made a human error while calculating allocation formulas for fiscal year 2008-2009. Senator Tim Kennedy, as a member of the Transportation Committee and ranking member of the Economic Development Committee, has called for a roundtable forum to be held Monday, November 21 to address the on-the-ground impact that the DOT funding shortfall has had on Western New York.

As a result of the error, Western New Yorkers missed out on a significant level of economic activity and job creation. At the roundtable, transportation experts will deliver testimony that will put the effects in real terms by citing specific projects delayed and opportunities missed.

All senators and assembly members who represent DOT’s Region 5 (Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties) have been invited to participate.

Earlier this month, The Buffalo News published an editorial (which can be read here: http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article621481.ece) to call attention to this issue and to urge the state to fix this funding mistake.

WHAT: A roundtable forum to discuss the specific, on-the-ground impacts of the DOT’s calculation mistake and the resulting $167 million funding shortfall to Western New York.

WHEN: Monday, November 21, 2011; 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: D’Youville College, Madonna Lounge, Madonna Hall, 334 Porter Ave., Buffalo (Note: Parking will be available in Parking Lot A off of Fargo Avenue)

WHO: Senator Tim Kennedy, members of the Western New York Delegation

Testifiers include:

• Gary Hill, president of Union Concrete (Speaking on behalf of FAIR Committee)
• Alan Pero, president of IUOE Local 17
• Daniel Duprey, executive vice president and COO of Clark Patterson Lee
• Hal Morse, executive director of GBNRTC
• Jim Manno, vice president of sales and marketing at Sonwil Distribution
• Gerry Senz, commissioner of Erie County Department of Public Works
• Kevin O’Brien, commissioner of Niagara County Department of Public Works
• George Spanos, commissioner of Chautauqua County Department of Public Works
• Joe Pillittere, commissioner of Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works
• Steve Stepniak, commissioner of City of Buffalo Department of Public Works
• Tom Desantis, senior planner of City of Niagara Falls