Two community outreach centers designed to provide information and receive feedback about the transformative Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in the City of Syracuse are now open.
As part of the New York State Department of Transportation’s continuing effort to work hand-in-hand with community stakeholders, the two centers are located in areas within the city that will be significantly impacted by the project and will offer the public the opportunity to meet and talk with project team members, as well as view renderings and other design materials related to the project. Information for job seekers looking to work on this project will also be available.
The outreach centers are located at the following locations and will have the following hours:
- Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Oakwood Avenue, Syracuse. Open Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Hills Building (first floor), 217 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
State Senator John W. Mannion said, “The redevelopment of I-81 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and the two new community outreach centers affirm that this project is moving forward with openness, transparency, and a commitment to local labor. I encourage everyone in the Syracuse community to stay involved and visit the centers to better understand the scope of the project, take advantage of job opportunities, and engage with public officials. I applaud Governor Hochul and DOT for their leadership in this historic undertaking.”
State Senator Rachel May said, “After so many years of study and debate, the process to replace I-81 with a community grid is ramping up. That progress continues with today’s grand opening. These information centers will be critical during the construction process as a place for residents to voice concerns, ask questions and learn about employment opportunities. I am glad to know the state will be a steady and committed partner during this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her leadership during this exciting time.”
The public is encouraged to visit both offices to get project information, ask questions and participate in the continued effort to collect community input. Job seekers looking to work on the I-81 Viaduct Project can visit these new outreach centers to connect with employment groups who have joined in alliance with NYSDOT on this project including Pathways to Apprenticeship, WorkSmartNY Syracuse Build, CNY Works, and New York State Department of Labor’s Workforce Forward: Syracuse, to recruit and train those who are interested.
Grassroots efforts led by community partner Urban Jobs Task Force, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, the City of Syracuse and NYSDOT, helped secure one of the first local-hire provisions approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to incentivize hiring local residents from zip codes in disadvantaged neighborhoods at a prevailing wage.
