Mentz – New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio announced today that he has identified state funding to construct a new permanent bridge for residents of Haiti Island in the town of Mentz. The funding will come from a previously approved capital transportation fund.
At the end of July, a significant portion of the original Haiti Island Bridge collapsed and fell into the Seneca River. That collapse prompted the immediate closure of the bridge and as a result, all vehicle traffic has been suspended.
“Last Saturday, I went to Haiti Island to see first-hand the significant challenges confronting the residents. As a result of the bridge closure, Haiti Island residents are without emergency fire and rescue services and are facing life-threatening circumstances should a fire or medical emergency occur. The residents are also confronted by severely limited access to life-sustaining essentials like water, food supplies, and fuel,” said Senator Nozzolio.
“By identifying and securing the state resources needed to construct a new bridge, we have been successful in providing a permanent, long-term solution for residents of the Island and the Town of Mentz. This emergency state funding will also ensure that the local property taxpayers will not have to bear the burden of constructing a new Haiti Island Bridge.”
Senator Nozzolio has been working aggressively to secure the necessary local, county and state approvals needed to allow for the transfer of the funds to construct the new bridge. The funding is contingent on final approval by the Town of Mentz and the Cayuga County Legislature which is expected to meet later this week.
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