Sen. Rachel May urges state to release I-81 statement, extend public comment period

Rachel May

Originally published in Daily Orange

I write to express my concern about the state Department of Transportation’s as yet unreleased Draft Environmental Impact Statement on options for replacing the I-81 viaduct through downtown Syracuse.

The options under consideration are complex and carry enormous potential impacts, particularly for residents and businesses living or working near the existing highway.

Every day that goes by without a final environmental impact statement creates more uncertainty. We need facts and we need action—but action informed by a thorough and comprehensive outreach effort to solicit broad public input.