FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON: CONGRESS APPROVES $3 MILLION FOR ROUTE 12 CORRIDOR

Senate passed Omnibus report containing $3 million to fund safety improvements to the most heavily trafficked and dangerous section of Route 12

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate has passed the omnibus appropriation report that would send $3 million to the Southern Tier to fund safety improvements to the most heavily trafficked and dangerous section of Route 12. The report, which has also been passed by the House, now awaits the President's signature.

"This money is just what the doctor ordered, because it will finally help solve the long-standing traffic and safety problems that have plagued Route 12 for years," Schumer said. "A highway that's safe and flows smoothly helps businesses ship products out and send them in, and with the economy the way it is now, that's an opportunity we can't afford to miss out on."

"Time is money and too many of our residents spend too much of their time stuck along the Route 12 Corridor. These federal dollars will help determine the best way to safely add additional passing zones, which will help alleviate traffic jams," Clinton said. "I was proud to work side by side with Senator Schumer and the rest of the New York Delegation on this. I am disappointed that the bill contained other provisions that I feel were harmful to the people of New York, but I am happy that we can move ahead on this."

The segment of Route 12 between Binghamton and Utica is the most heavily trafficked and the most dangerous section of the roadway because the curvature of the road in many locations creates limited sight distance and potential for traffic accidents. Coupled with the lack of adequate passing aprons and poor alignment, numerous, often fatal accidents occur each year - particularly during New York State's harsh winter months. The $3 million would be in addition to the $5 million that Rt. 12 projects received in appropriations last year.

The specific uses of the funds would be determined by NYSDOT in conjunction with affected localities and the Route 12 task force. The funding was included in the Omnibus conference report passed by the House and Senate. The report now awaits the President's signature.

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