Schumer: Federal government to soon “green light” I-81 viaduct-replacement project

He spoke at Forman Park at 717 E. Genesee St., just east of the elevated highway in downtown Syracuse.

“With I-81 the subject of our talk today … looming in the background,” Schumer said as he arrived for his remarks. “But it will loom no more in a while.”

Schumer’s announcement followed a Friday call with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited Syracuse last summer for a look at the elevated viaduct.

The Senate Majority Leader went on to say that approval of the EIS release will trigger a 30-day public-comment period followed by what’s called a record of decision (ROD), or the final “green light” for the project to begin.

In his call with Secretary Buttigieg, Schumer said he also emphasized that Buttigieg fully address all community and environmental concerns and the USDOT quickly release the funding from the federal infrastructure law.

Congress approved the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure and Jobs Act last December, which “sends billions to New York State … $11.6 billion in formula funding alone,” which will help fund the I-81 construction and help connect local workers in partnership with local trade unions to the jobs that are needed for the project, Schumer added in his remarks.   

Joining Schumer for his announcement on a cool, windy Monday morning were Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh; Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens; Greg Lancette, head of the Central and Northern New York Building and Construction Trades; William Simmons, executive director of the Syracuse Housing Authority; and Aggie Lane, treasurer of the Urban Jobs Task Force.

Schumer described the I-81 project as “one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Syracuse’s history … It’s one the most significant infrastructure projects in the country.”