Gillibrand calls for consensus on rooftop highway

By JOE LoTEMPLIO
Staff Writer

July 04, 2009 03:28 am

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PLATTSBURGH — U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for a consensus on development of a rooftop highway.

The idea of a highway stretching from Watertown in the west to Plattsburgh in the east has been around since 1961. But the project never moved because it was deemed too expensive.

As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Gillibrand (D-Greeport) sent a letter to New York Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee urging that all options be considered one last time to ensure the North Country receives its fair share of federal transportation dollars.

"In the North Country this spring, I heard from local officials and community leaders of the importance of a new transportation corridor," Gillibrand said.

"Developing a rooftop highway would bring new jobs to the North Country immediately and lay the foundation for long-term growth by opening up new opportunities for existing businesses, attracting new businesses and helping to fuel new industries.

"We need to thoroughly consider all the options and then bring together a consensus that will help us revitalize our economy."

Gillibrand said funding might be available through the upcoming Transportation Reauthorization bill.

She is working to bring local, state and federal leaders together to push for federal investments to build the corridor.

Investing in the plan could boost the local economy, creating construction jobs immediately and bringing long-term economic development, Gillibrand said.

The highway could help existing businesses connect and distribute products and attract new businesses and industries.

Two weeks ago, City of Plattsburgh councilors put off a vote on whether to endorse the rooftop highway, saying they wanted more information before voting.

Councilor Michael Kelly (D-Ward 2) was concerned about the environmental impact a major new highway could have on the region and said the highway would add a maintenance burden to municipalities.