PRESS RELEASE:
IRVING, NY-Thursday, Rep. Tom Reed called on Governor Cuomo to end the political dispute with the Seneca Nation and repair the I-90 Thruway and other roadways running through the Seneca Nation.
Tom, citing dangerous conditions and the possibility of injury to motorists and damage to vehicles, served the governor and other DOT officials with a formal letter of defective conditions holding New York State liable “for any and all injury, loss of life, and or damage or total loss personal property resulting from the road conditions of the above-mentioned federal interstate.”
“Given what I have seen and the outcry from the public, the defective condition along I-90 in the Seneca Nation is a real threat to the safety and well-being of the traveling public,” said Tom. “We are serving prior written notice of the defective condition of this roadway so that if and when, God forbid, someone gets injured or killed as a result of his defective condition - there is no question of the liability and those who should be held accountable.”
Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello said “People pay for the right to drive on this road - not just here locally, but from many states. This is another example of where the governor has put politics above people. The Seneca Nation has a long history of partnering with Chautauqua County - they are great partners with us. The governor needs to sit down, set aside the issues he has and truly negotiate.”
Assemblyman Joe Giglio, R-NY, was also present for the event, commenting on the conditions of the I-90 and Routes 219 and 417 in Salamanca, NY.
“This is the gateway to New York,” said Joe. “The agreements have been in place and they need to be adhered to. Waiting it out because of things that have nothing to do with any dispute can be dangerous and God knows who were going to lose. It’s just unconscionable.”
Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-NY, said “I’m very pleased that the Thruway is in excellent condition in Chautauqua County. Unfortunately, as soon as the Thruway leaves Chautauqua County, it’s condition becomes deplorable. It is extremely important that the Thruway is maintained at a high quality throughout its entire length so that motorists who are paying to be in this road can have a safe and comfortable journey.”
