Funding included in FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill

Senator say federal funds will help address immediate highway safety concerns

US Senators Charles E. Schumer today announced Congress has passed $1 million in federal funding for the proposed "Rooftop Highway". The funds are listed in the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations section of the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bill now heads to the President for his signature.

"This money will help bring out the best the North Country has to offer," Schumer said. "Our goal is to enhance access to Watertown and Plattsburgh and every mile in between for residents and visitors alike. But we must take care to put safety first at every step of the way and this study will do just that."

Because Plattsburgh and Watertown are currently linked by roads that do not provide sufficient or safe transportation between the two communities, the Development Authority of the North Country has been working on a North Country Transportation Study, examining the best route for a four-lane, limited access highway between the cities. While plans for this proposed regional "Rooftop Highway" remain under consideration, the new federal funding would help to address some of the immediate infrastructure concerns facing this corridor by improving signage, implementing rail relocation projects, making port and water improvements and improving telecommunications access in the region.

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