Young's Bill Would Compel NYS to Keep
Ownership of Old Route 219 Bridge
ALBANY – In response to the state’s attempt to divest itself of the old Route 219 bridge at the expense of Cattaraugus and Erie Counties, Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean) has introduced legislation that directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to retain jurisdiction and maintenance responsibilities for the bridge.
“These counties do not have the resources or the equipment to maintain this bridge. It is an unfunded and budget-breaking mandate that would be impossible for localities to handle,” said Senator Young.
“Jurisdiction and maintenance should remain an obligation of the state in order to ensure public safety and continuity of service to the public,” she added.
Based on a 1965 amendment to the State Highway Law, DOT plans to abandon a 2.57 mile long section of Route 219, including the existing 652 foot high old Route 219 bridge crossing the Zoar Valley Gorge over to Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
Senator Young said that both counties have already made their intentions known to abandon the bridge if DOT does not continue to maintain the structure.
The bridge is over 50 years old and was inspected in 2009 and deemed “structurally deficient.” The state has indicated that prior to turning over the bridge to the two counties in 2013, DOT is scheduled to make significant repairs to the bridge, including replacing the bridge deck, some steel repair, and repainting the entire bridge. This construction is set to begin in the Spring of 2012.
Senator Young, however, said that even if the state plans to rehab the bridge, the estimated cost of maintenance to the local taxpayers would be approximately $800,000 per year for its 25-year life cycle - which accounts for a significant percent of the each counties’ entire maintenance budget.
Cattaraugus County lawmakers are expected to take up a resolution on Wednesday asking the DOT to reconsider its decision to turn the bridge over to Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
Cattaraugus County is responsible for maintaining 298 miles of road, 265 bridges, 252 culverts and 466 drainage structures.
“These counties do not have the resources or the equipment to maintain this bridge. It is an unfunded and budget-breaking mandate that would be impossible for localities to handle,” said Senator Young.
“Jurisdiction and maintenance should remain an obligation of the state in order to ensure public safety and continuity of service to the public,” she added.
Based on a 1965 amendment to the State Highway Law, DOT plans to abandon a 2.57 mile long section of Route 219, including the existing 652 foot high old Route 219 bridge crossing the Zoar Valley Gorge over to Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
Senator Young said that both counties have already made their intentions known to abandon the bridge if DOT does not continue to maintain the structure.
The bridge is over 50 years old and was inspected in 2009 and deemed “structurally deficient.” The state has indicated that prior to turning over the bridge to the two counties in 2013, DOT is scheduled to make significant repairs to the bridge, including replacing the bridge deck, some steel repair, and repainting the entire bridge. This construction is set to begin in the Spring of 2012.
Senator Young, however, said that even if the state plans to rehab the bridge, the estimated cost of maintenance to the local taxpayers would be approximately $800,000 per year for its 25-year life cycle - which accounts for a significant percent of the each counties’ entire maintenance budget.
Cattaraugus County lawmakers are expected to take up a resolution on Wednesday asking the DOT to reconsider its decision to turn the bridge over to Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
Cattaraugus County is responsible for maintaining 298 miles of road, 265 bridges, 252 culverts and 466 drainage structures.
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