James L. Seward's posts related to Highways

Construction Jobs - Yes, Budget Extenders - No

ALBANY, 04/12/08- Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today voted against an emergency budget extender bill becasue it suspends payments for ongoing state-funded capital construction projects.

"Construction companies across upstate New York have been forced to lay off hundreds of hardworking individuals because the state isnt meeting its obligations," Seward said. "This endangers critical infrastructure improvements and leaves families in a precarious financial position."

Seward Continues Opposition To Incomplete Budget Extenders

ALBANY, 04/19/10 - State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I) votes against emergency budget extenders and calls on his senate colleagues to begin bipartisan, public budget conference committees as required by law.

Seward says the emergency budget extender bill is incomplete, failing to authorize payment for already approved construction projects.  In turn, contractors are being forced to lay off workers, sending individuals to the unemployment line and threatening vital infrastructure improvements.

Seward, Lopez Launch "No Work Here" Campaign

Posted by James L. Seward on Thursday, April 29th, 2010

RICHMONDVILLE, 04/30/10--Senator James L. Seward (R,C,I-Oneonta), Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie), and Mark Galasso, President of Lancaster Development, Inc., today launched their “No Work Here” construction signs campaign in Richmondville.  The campaign is meant to spur greater public awareness of the increasing loss of construction jobs on local roadway projects as a result of inaction on the state budget, and to urge Albany’s three legislative leaders to take substantive action to protect working families. 

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Senate Bill Clears Construction Road Block

Posted by James L. Seward on Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

ALBANY, 05/05/10 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) says legislation (senate bill 7686) approved by the state senate today, would authorize payment for capital construction projects, putting people back to work and clearing the way for vital infrastructure work.

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Seward Ensures Timely Completion Of Otsego County Bridge Project

Posted by James L. Seward on Thursday, September 30th, 2010

ONEONTA, 09/30/10 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) announced today that replacement of an Otsego County bridge has been expedited due to recent discussions with the local utility.

“A reconstructed Brooker Hollow Road bridge will provide safe passage to school students, families and individuals who rely on the span on a daily basis,” said Senator Seward.  “Completing the job as quickly as possible will alleviate any long term inconvenience.”

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Jason's Law Needed To Protect Truck Drivers

Posted by James L. Seward on Friday, October 8th, 2010

Truck drivers.  We see them every day on the highway, and while we have a basic understanding of what they do, we don’t always realize the rigors and risks of the essential job they perform.  The vast majority put in long hours away from home so they can earn a living wage and support their families.  Along with the dangers one would expect that come with the job of driving an eighteen wheeler – road hazards, equipment malfunctions and driver error – there are other, more sinister threats.

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DOT Rest Stop Closures Threaten Public Safety

Posted by James L. Seward on Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

WORCESTER, 11/17/10 – Gathered at a rest area marked for closure, state Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta), Assemblyman Marc Butler (R/C/I-Newport) and Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R/C/I-Schoharie) announced today their opposition to a recent NYSDOT decision to shut down six highway rest areas.

“Weakening one of the few protective measures available to drivers on our roadways leaves all motorists, and in particular, truck drivers at risk,” said Senator Seward.  “While I understand the need to cut back in these tough fiscal times, I believe there are other areas that should be considered first.”

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Mohawk Infrastructure Improvements Complete

Posted by James L. Seward on Friday, April 15th, 2011

MOHAWK, 04/14/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined Village of Mohawk Mayor Irene Sweet to announce the recent completion of the Minnow Brook culvert repair project.  The project was funded through a $400,000 Multi Modal grant previously secured by Senator Seward.

“Local infrastructure is critical to the well-being of families and individuals as well as future economic growth,” said Senator Seward.  “Often times, however, repair costs are just too much for a small rural municipality to afford.  I was pleased to step in and help secure funding to protect public safety and the bottom line for those who live and work in the Village of Mohawk.”

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Release State Funds - Get Construction Jobs Moving

Posted by James L. Seward on Thursday, April 8th, 2010

ONEONTA, 04/08/10 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) says the late state budget is now jeopardizing thousands of jobs and putting public safety at risk.

“The lack of urgency shown by some in Albany to set to work on a state budget is now sending individuals to the unemployment line,” said Senator Seward.  “We need to start public conference committees immediately and complete a state budget to avoid a total state shut down.”

Along with pressing for ramped up budget work, Senator Seward is also calling on the governor to reverse his recent decision to suspend payments for ongoing state-funded capital construction projects until a new state budget is in place.   

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Seward Calls On NYSDOT To Expedite Cortland County Road Work

Posted by James L. Seward on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

CORTLAND, 12/01/10 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) is calling on the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to complete reconstruction work of the route 281 and 13 corridor in the Town of Cortlandville on the original timetable.

“Delaying reconstruction of this important thoroughfare restricts traffic flow and threatens the safety of the traveling public,” said Senator Seward.  “The route 281 and 13 corridor is growing and further delays of this project will stifle desired development and inconvenience local business owners.”

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