Allegany Territory (Salamanca, NY) – The Seneca
Nation of Indians announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the
New York State Thruway Authority regarding long-needed repairs on the portion
of the New York State Thruway that crosses the Nation’s Cattaraugus Territory.
“After multiple requests, the Seneca Nation was finally able
to engage the New York State Thruway Authority in direct communication over the
last several days regarding the deplorable condition of this stretch of
Thruway,” said President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “That direct communication
resulted in a cooperative agreement, so that this work can finally begin.”
Wednesday’s agreement follows a flurry of communication
initiated over the past two weeks. The Nation’s Transportation Department sent
a request to NYSTA Commissioner Matt Driscoll on September 12 to discuss the
needed repairs. A second request was sent on September 17, after which the
Nation received and reviewed information from NYSTA regarding its plans for
making the repairs. The details of the final agreement were finalized between
the two parties between late last week and Wednesday.
Thousands of motorists from across New York and beyond
travel the approximately three-mile stretch of Thruway located on the
Cattaraugus Territory every day. The highway is also an important route for
commercial traffic.
“Motorists on our territories, whether Seneca or non-Seneca,
New Yorkers or travelers from other areas, deserve the same safety and
consideration as those who travel the rest of the New York State Thruway,”
President Armstrong said. “New York State, not the Seneca Nation, receives toll
revenue from everyone who travels this state roadway across our territory. The
Seneca Nation wants to see these repairs completed. The Thruway Authority has
indicated an aggressive work schedule for completing the first phase of repairs
over the next several weeks. The Nation’s Transportation Department will
coordinate with the Thruway Authority to make sure that happens.”
The agreement outlines two phases of work. The initial
phase, which is expected to begin within the next few days, involves repairing
the most dangerous sections of the Thruway. Phase 2, which should take no
longer than ten weeks, involves a more thorough milling and paving project. The
Nation and the Thruway Authority are working to complete all of the work before
winter, but may have to schedule Phase 2 in the Spring of 2020, depending on
weather conditions and the availability of asphalt to complete the project.
In addition to the long-overdue Thruway repairs, the Nation
is urging New York State to address other glaring transportation issues related
to state roadways on Nation land, including poor road conditions in Salamanca.
“When the State engages the Nation in direct, respectful
dialogue, we can make progress on issues of mutual interest, just as we have
today and on other past projects,” President Armstrong added. “Now that we have
come to an agreement on the Thruway, I hope the State will show the same
urgency in prioritizing and addressing the poor condition of other state
roadways that impact people’s daily lives. The safety of these roads and the
people who travel them deserve the State’s attention, even if the roads don’t
generate toll money for the State’s coffers.”
