By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2021 at 6:14 am
Protests, new state laws seen as deterrent for people pursuing law enforcement as a career
ALBION – The list of exams for Civil Service positions currently available in Orleans County includes deputy sheriff. Today is the last filing deadline for the position with the agility exam on April 24 and then the written test on May 15.
Normally there are nearly 100 people who file to take the exam. This time there have only been 18 so far, said Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Not only has the position been listed by the Orleans County Personnel Department (click here), but local media have shared press releases from the sheriff, encouraging people to take the exam.
The protests against law enforcement and new state laws, including bail reform, have discouraged people from pursuing a career with the Sheriff’s Office, Bourke said Tuesday during a conference call with local elected officials.
“Police feel we’re under attack,” Undersheriff Mike Mele said about law enforcement as a profession.
Bourke said the atmosphere against law enforcement is resulting in a much smaller pool of people interested in the test for deputy. That could result in “slim pickings.” Usually half of the people are eliminated after the agility test, he said.
Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, believes the Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work. She encouraged people to consider it for their career.
“The Sheriff’s Department is very well supported in Orleans County,” she said during the conference call.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2021 at 11:08 am
The schedule is set for food distributions through late April. Those events have been held most weeks since last April due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At each distribution, held on Fridays, about 300 boxes of food will be given away in the “Families Food Box Program” which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The distributions are scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.
The schedule includes:
March 19, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
March 26, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
April 2, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
April 9, Medina High School, Mustang Drive, Medina
April 16, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
April 23, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
April 30, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
“We remind people not to block driveways,” said Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, which helps organize the events. “We want to thank all the volunteers. Without them there would be no events. Please be patient and kind.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2021 at 3:26 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: These two people and a dog pass underneath the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in Albion on Oct. 14, 2017, when it was a 70-degree fall day.
The State Canal Corp. today announced the schedule for the upcoming boating season with the canal opening on May 21 and continuing until Oct. 13.
That is close to being back to normal after last year’s start was pushed back until June 26. The start in 2020 was supposed to be May 15 but was delayed because canal staff and construction crews were sidelined early in the pandemic. That prevented the State Canal Corp. from doing some of the work needed before the canals could be opened.
In an announcement for the upcoming season today, the Canal Corp. said, “This proposed schedule of operations could be impacted by the Covid pandemic and/or the need to repair critical infrastructure.”
The Canal Corp. also again won’t be charging any tolls or fees for recreational use of the canal system. This is the fifth straight year the tolls have been waived. Those tolls were normally $25 to $100 for a season pass, depending on the size of the vessel.
The upcoming boating season will be the 197th continuous season. Last year the system was in danger of not opening due to Covid, but it opened later than usual.
Standard hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following lift bridges in Orleans County will operate on demand from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until September 15: Holley, Hulberton, Ingersoll Street in Albion, Main Street in Albion, Eagle Harbor, Knowlesville and Medina.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 March 2021 at 12:25 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Employees of Baxter Healthcare in Medina clean up the lawn at Head Start on Ensign Avenue in Medina in this photo from May 9, 2019. From left are Tammy Pogel, Tim Ingrassia, plant manager Kevin Foley and Melinda Pitcher.
After Covid-19 forced organizers to cancel the Day of Caring last spring 2020, United Way of Orleans County is bringing back the day on April 30.
Day of Caring is a volunteer-oriented event of United Ways nationwide, which encourages volunteerism in the community by helping people and non-profit agencies in need.
Creig Shockley, left, and Brian Hosmer, both Baxter employees, repair and put up swings at Camp Rainbow during the Day of Caring on May 9, 2019. Four more Baxter employees painted cabins, while another cleaned the bathrooms.
“The day combines volunteers with work projects county-wide,” said Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County. “It highlights giving back. If we can get 150 to 200 that will be great.”
Any company employee or member of the community is urged to volunteer for a couple of hours that day in performing simple tasks for agencies or individuals, such as painting a fence, raking a lawn, sorting donated food, delivering meals to the elderly, landscaping or other minor tasks.
“It is an exciting day that offers a unique opportunity for businesses, employees and individuals to participate in making a difference, and to see first-hand how their donations to United Way are benefiting the lives and vitality of our community,” Bellack said.
Not only are volunteers needed to perform various tasks, but projects to do are also needed to make the day a huge success.
Registration forms are available on United Way’s website by clicking on “volunteer” and then “Day of Caring.” Registrations forms should be returned by April 10.
On April 30, volunteers should report to the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. for breakfast. They should dress in comfortable clothing to suit the day. Volunteer projects will begin immediately following the breakfast and typically last from 9 to 10 a.m. and/or from 2 to 3 p.m.
“This is a great day,” Bellack said. “It promotes good deeds – and the United Way.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: This big banner was outside the mass vaccination clinic at Genesee Community College in Batavia on Sunday. Of the 3,500 doses available, Orleans County residents only were able to get 169 or 4.8 percent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2021 at 9:04 pm
Orleans County has the lowest vaccination rate in Upstate New York, according to the state’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker.
In Orleans, 5,697 out of 40,612 residents or 14.0 percent have received at least one dose of the vaccine. (2,778 or 6.8 percent in the county are completed with the vaccine series.)
The 14.0 percent is well behind the state average of 19.4 percent of residents receiving at least one vaccine dose and behind the 20.7 percent in the Finger Lakes, a nine-county region that includes Orleans. To be at the region’s average, Orleans would need to have 8,406 people with at least the first dose of the vaccine or another 2,709 people from the current 5,697.
Orleans County public health officials are pushing for more mass vaccination clinics to help get the county caught up with the state average for vaccination rates.
The county is also well behind nearby rural counties. Genesee is at 19.4 percent and Wyoming is at 16.2 percent with at least one dose. Livingston is at 18.8 percent.
Wyoming and Orleans have nearly the same population – 40,085 in Wyoming and 40,612 in Orleans. But Wyoming has about 800 more people with at least one vaccine dose than in Orleans – 6,478 in Wyoming and 5,697 in Orleans.
“The numbers show Orleans County hasn’t had the access to get vaccinated compared to the region and the state,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in Orleans and Genesee counties.
“We’re going to keep pushing. We want more vaccines locally.”
The public health departments in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties collaborated on a mass vaccination clinic at GCC in Batavia over five days from Friday through today. That clinic was intended to restricted to the three counties but was opened to everyone who registered, with the 3,500 doses claimed in the first 90 minutes the state website was open.
About half of the shots or 1,666 went to Erie County residents. Orleans County residents only were able to get 169 or 4.8 percent. Genesee County residents received 17.0 percent, Niagara County residents signed up for 12.7 percent, Monroe County got 9.3 percent and Wyoming was only at 2.4 percent. There were residents from 17 other counties who were able to register for the vaccine at the GCC clinic.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get the number of folks we would have liked to for Orleans, Genesee or Wyoming counties,” Pettit said on a conference call this evening with elected officials in Orleans County.
‘The numbers show Orleans County hasn’t had the access to get vaccinated compared to the region and the state. We’re going to keep pushing. We want more vaccines locally.’ – Paul Pettit, public health director
GCC proved an ideal setup for the clinic and Pettit said the three health departments are applying to do another clinic at GCC. They would like there to be residency restrictions so the vaccine could be limited to the three counties.
Pettit also is pushing the state for an additional vaccine allotments for Orleans County to help the county get caught up with the state and region averages.
“We’re trying to get a special allocation, especially for Orleans County because we are behind,” Pettit said. “Hopefully the state will come through with additional allocations.”
The state’s Vaccine Tracker shows few counties are under 15.0 percent with at least one dose. In Western New York, Orleans has the lowest vaccination rate with Allegany the next lowest at 15.3 percent.
In WNY the county rates of residents with at least one vaccine dose, as of 11 a.m. today, include: Orleans, 14.0 percent; Niagara, 17.7 percent; Erie, 20.1 percent; Genesee, 19.4 percent; Wyoming, 16.2 percent; Monroe, 21.4 percent; Livingston, 18.8 percent; Chautauqua, 19.6 percent; Cattaraugus, 16.5 percent; and Allegany, 15.3 percent.
The counties in the state with vaccine rates below 15 percent include: Orleans, 14.0 percent; Steuben, 14.3 percent; Orange, 14.4 percent; and Sullivan at 14.6 percent. In New York City, two boroughs are lower than the vaccination rate in Orleans, with Bronx County (the Bronx) is at 13.6 percent and Kings County (Brooklyn) also at 13.6 percent.
That compares with counties in northern New York where the rates are about double the percent in Orleans. Clinton is at 30.1 percent, with Franklin at 27.2 percent and St. Lawrence at 27.6 percent.
Orleans this week will receive another 600 doses of the vaccine, Pettit said. That includes 200 to be administered by the Health Department, 200 by Rosenkrans Pharmacy in Medina, 100 by Oak Orchard Health and 100 by the Medicine Shoppe in Medina.
“It’s still slow slogging,” Pettit said. “Hopefully we can get a special allocation to give a bump to our numbers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2021 at 5:45 pm
The $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” that passed the U.S. Senate today includes nearly $8 million for the Orleans County government. The plan now goes to vote to the House of Representatives next week and then President Biden for his signature.
The New York State Association of Counties is praising the Senate for approving the funding, which includes $2.2 billion for 57 counties in the state. The funding is divvied up to counties based on population.
NYSAC said the funding amounts for local counties includes:
Orleans, $7,887,187
Genesee, $11,195,927
Livingston, $12,297,147
Wyoming, $7,790,825
Niagara, $40,905,985
Monroe, $144,986,083
Erie, $179,569,145
The New York State Association of Counties issued the following press release this afternoon:
After a year of fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, counties applaud the Senate’s passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and encourages swift adoption by the House of Representatives, according to the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).
The package, passed today, includes $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments, including $65 billion for counties, a restoration of $5 billion as championed by the Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. This emergency funding provides direct aid to counties, supporting the essential local government workers who have been on the front-line of the pandemic response.
“We commend our great Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and many members of the New York Congressional Delegation for fighting to ensure that our local governments get the help they deserve. This historic legislation supports the local heroes who have been fighting this pandemic on the front lines and also makes key investments in the future prosperity of our communities,” said NYSAC President Jack Marren, chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.
The American Rescue Plan includes $3.8 billion for the 57 counties ($2.2 billion) of New York State and New York City ($1.6 billion) based on population. New York City will receive another $4.0 billion through CDBG formula funding.
This funding can be used to respond to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus as well as address the economic devastation that came with it, including assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofits, aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality. The funding may also be used to help governments provide services and make investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.
“This is a victory for all of the counties in the State of New York and the residents we serve. In a time when so much of our politics is bitterly divided, county leaders from both ends of the political spectrum advocated for this package because it will help them help their communities recover from this pandemic,” said NYSCEA President and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
“We acknowledge the leadership of Senator Schumer and the members of New York’s Congressional Delegation who supported our local governments throughout this pandemic. Without our Senator Schumer, this package would not have included the federal assistance to counties and local governments. He has always been there for New Yorkers, and his resolve has only been strengthened during this this pandemic,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2021 at 12:20 pm
Group also wants to honor adults who work and volunteer on behalf of children in Orleans
The Orleans County Youth Board wants to honor local youths for their community service and adults for their work on behalf of children in Orleans County.
The Youth Board for the past 39 years has recognized youth, usually about 20 each year for their outstanding community service or if they have taken on an extraordinary role in their family.
In addition to the youth awards, at least two adults will be honored for their service to young people.
The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award recognizes a youth-serving professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.
The Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award is given to an adult who provides service as a volunteer to Orleans County youth.
Nominations are due March 26. The form can be downloaded by clicking here. For information about this event, contact the Youth Bureau at 585-344-3960 or youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2021 at 9:02 am
Michael Dobell
MEDINA – The new leader of Orleans Economic Development Agency has more than a decade of experience working for major hotels in Buffalo, Rochester and Minneapolis.
Michael Dobell, 36, of Lyndonville said he brings a customer service focus to the job as executive director for the EDA. He started the position last week and succeeds Jim Whipple, who has retired but is staying on in a part-time advisory role through the end of April. Whipple led the EDA for 15 years.
Dobell, 36, was director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Buffalo the past five years. Prior to that he worked for the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and Radisson Rochester Riverside. In that career, it wasn’t just the hotel he was promoting to clients: it was the overall experience in the community.
Dobell sees a similar message in his role with the EDA. Businesses will be looking at the “total experience” in Orleans County.
“How can we best showcase the entire community?” he said. “We’re in this together. It’s really a team effort.”
Dobell said it will take the efforts of local and state officials, as well as citizens in the county, to make the community an enticing place to live and work.
He sees lots of assets for the EDA to promote to businesses, especially the 300-acre Medina Business Park, which is one of the largest certified shovel ready sites in the state. Whipple in the EDA worked more than a decade to create the park with infrastructure.
“What Jim and his team have done the past 15 years is an amazing job,” Dobell said the EDA conference room at 121 North Main St., Albion. “He laid the groundwork to take Orleans County to the next level.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The 300-acre Medina Business Park is one of the largest certified shovel-ready sites in the state. It has all the infrastructure in place.
Dobell lives in Lyndonville with his wife, Clancy. She is the daughter of Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman. Dobell was drawn to the Lyndonville community because it is similar in size to where he grew up on a dairy farm in Andover, Allegany County. Dobell was active in the 4-H program as a kid. He earned a bachelor’s degree in financial planning from Alfred University.
“In a small town there is the camaraderie of the community and the business owners,” he said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of the up and coming Orleans County development.”
Paul Hendel, the Orleans EDA board chairman, said Dobell is a “forward-thinking” leader who will make serving the local businesses and prospective companies a priority.
“He is a great fit for this organization and the entire county,” Hendel said. “He has the knowledge, skills and personality, and he has a proven track record in sales.”
Dobell is one of the three full-time staff for the EDA. Hendel agrees with Dobell’s philosophy that economic development will take the work of many in the community.
“As an organization we cannot exist in a bubble,” Hendel said. “We need support from towns, village and county and our state legislators.”
The EDA is in a good position with several sites that should be attractive to companies around the county. Hendel praised Whipple for bringing municipal partners together for EDA projects.
“Jim did a great job putting Orleans County on the map,” Hendel said. “Jim was a superstar for the agency, in my opinion. With Michael, I see a person with lot of same skill sets as Jim and a vision to take organization to the next level.”
Hendel said the economic development business is also about relationships, and building trust with business leaders. Orleans in recent years has welcomed several companies from Southern Ontario, Canada.
That Canadian province has been a “great partner” in bringing jobs to Orleans County, Hendel said.
Hendel expects to see more economic development as more progress is made getting Covid-19 under control.
“We are primed to just explode with the assets in our county and the infrastructure,” Hendel said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 March 2021 at 1:46 pm
Legislators also highlight Probation Department, Arc of Genesee Orleans
Robert Batt and Melissa Blanar have both been recognized as alumni of the year by Leadership Orleans.
The Orleans County Legislature last week recognized two leaders with special recognition awards, and also highlighted the Probation Department.
The Legislature also issued a proclamation declaring March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.”
Robert Batt and Melissa Blanar were recently announced as the Leadership Orleans alumni of the year.
Blanar is director of the Office for the Aging and Batt is executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Blanar completed the year-long Leadership Orleans program in 2019 and Batt was in the inaugural class in 2018.
The two have stepped up leading their agencies or organizations in the past year, with added responsibilities due to Covid-19 and the restrictions from the state due to the pandemic.
Blanar and Batt also have been critical to food distributions which started last April and are currently being held most Fridays at a site in the county.
“You have gone far and beyond your professional leadership roles in serving the aging of our county during the Covid-19 pandemic through your extreme efforts in organizing multiple food distributions and other pandemic realities,” The Legislature said in the Special Recognition Award for Blanar. “This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your passion and dedication to our Orleans County residents.
Batt was praised his “extreme efforts in organizing multiple food distributions and other pandemic realities. This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your passion and dedication to our Orleans County residents.”
• Probation Department: The Legislature also presented a Special Recognition Award to Orleans County Probation Department, congratulating the department on being recognized from NYS Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives. The state praised the county Probation Department for developing a “Best Practice” procedure for the return of Violation Of Probation: Declaration of Delinquency Petitions from the courts.
Probation also was recognized by the state for creating and using a “Probationer Handbook” which is a document developed to assist adult offenders placed under probation supervision with all aspects of their sentence.
“The Orleans County Legislature wishes to share our appreciation for your passion and dedication to the duties of your department and does hereby commend you and your team in the services you provide Orleans County and beyond,” the award states.
• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: The Legislature also issued a proclamation declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Legislature said developmental disabilities affect more than 7 million Americans and their families.
“People with developmental disabilities can be vital and vibrant members of our communities, improving the quality of life for all of us,” the proclamation states.
There are about 600 ARC chapters in the country, including the Arc of Genesee Orleans.
“The Orleans County Legislature proudly recognizes the achievements of Arc of Genesee Orleans and supports this organization’s mission of being a partner for people with disabilities, and a gateway to opportunities for each person to experience their desired potential,” the proclamation states.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 March 2021 at 8:13 am
ALBION – A $200,000 grant for the Microenterprise Assistance Program would offer funding for graduates of the small business class run by the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
An article last week on the Orleans Hub said the $200,000 grant would be to extend the program another two years to 2023.
But the Orleans EDA isn’t seeking the grant for the costs of operating the MAP class. Instead, the grant would allow the EDA to make grants available to graduates of MAP, ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $35,000, said Diane Blanchard, manager of MAP.
That funding would be available to graduates of the spring and fall classes this year and in 2022. The grants to the small business owners would be for working capital, advertising, marketing and needed equipment.
More than 500 people have graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program since it started in 1999. The 10-week program is offered in the spring and fall and gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan.
The spring class that starts April 6 is already full. The class sessions are held at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion.
The Orleans County Legislature is applying for the grant on behalf of the Orleans Economic Development Agency from the New York State Community Development Block Grant Program.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2021 at 10:29 am
The food distributions that started last April during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic will continue in March and through April.
At each distribution, held most Fridays, about 300 boxes of food are given away in the “Families Food Box Program” which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The distributions are scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.
The schedule for the next five weeks includes:
February 26th – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville. The line of cars needs to form south on Taylor Hill Road. There will be no entrance on Route 31.
March 5 – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville
March 12 – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville
March 19, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
March 26, location to be determined
The distributions will continue through April but those dates and locations haven’t been set.
Organizers ask that people not line up before 8 a.m. due to possible winter weather conditions. “We remind people not to block driveways,” said Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, which helps organize the events. “We want to thank all the volunteers. Without them there would be no events. Please be patient and kind.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2021 at 9:45 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted on Wednesday to seek a $200,000 grant to continue a small business education program.
More than 500 people have graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program since it started in 1999. The 10-week program is offered in the spring and fall and gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan.
The spring class that starts April 6 is already full. The class sessions are held at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2021 at 1:40 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County District Attorney’s Office is applying for a $170,000 state grant to help the county with its expenses to meet new state regulations for discovery, or the evidence to be shared with the defendants and their lawyers.
The DA’s Office has added two employees and purchased equipment to comply with the regulations. That equipment connects the DA’s Office, law enforcement agencies, defense attorneys and others to share discovery materials.
Beginning last year the state required the DA’s offices and law enforcement agencies to turn over evidence to defendants and their lawyers within 15 to 30 days after arraignment. Discovery often includes police reports, 911 calls and recordings, and DNA results.
The state is making the $170,000 available to the county through what is expected to be a one-time grant, District Attorney Joe Cardone said.
There will be $40 million available statewide. The funding covers expenses retroactively from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans County Weights & Measures Department
With the current spike in fuel prices, the Genesee-Orleans County Department of Weights & Measures wants the public to know that all pumps in service are up to date with their state-mandated inspections and have been approved for use.
“We pumped over 13,000 gallons of fuel testing and verifying fuel meters last year,” stated Ronald P. Mannella, Weights and Measures director in the two counties. “If a pump is out of tolerance and under delivering, it is removed from service until repaired. Our tolerances are tight in order to establish fairness and equity in the marketplace.”
Of the 457 petroleum pumps between the two counties, only one was found under delivering and out of tolerance in 2020.
$10.7 million project improves traffic flow in canal towns
Photo by Tom Rivers: Traffic passes over the Gaines Basin Road canal bridge on Nov. 26, 2020. The bridge reopened after a major rehabilitation, one of seven canal bridges that were upgraded as part of a $10.7 million initiative by the state Department of Transportation. The Gaines Basin bridge was closed for about six months for the construction work.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Cuomo today announced the completion of a $10.7 million project to rehabilitate seven historic single-lane bridges across the Erie Canal in the towns of Murray, Albion, Gaines, Ridgeway and the Village of Medina.
The state Department of Transportation replaced the steel flooring and raised the legal weight limit on all seven 100-year old truss bridges to allow farm equipment, trucks and other commercial vehicles to safely pass while simultaneously improving the flow of both people and commerce throughout the region.
The historic project builds on the regional Finger Lakes Forward initiative, which has already invested over $8 billion to revitalize communities and facilitate commerce along the Erie Canal and the surrounding region.
“New York has made unprecedented investments to upgrade the state’s infrastructure to increase public safety while boosting economic activity along the Erie Canal,” Governor Cuomo said. “The historic Erie Canal is critical for doing business in the region and we’re proud to honor the Canal’s commercial legacy by bringing these bridges into the 21st century. This project will ensure that locals and visitors alike get where they need to go quickly and safely.”
Construction on the project began in December 2018 and has included repairs to the structures and installation of high-strength galvanized steel to replace steel flooring systems and truss elements of the bridges. Each bridge also received a fresh coat of paint. Work took place at the following locations:
Bennetts Corners Road, between Route 31 and Gulf Road, in the Town of Murray.
Telegraph Road, between Route 237 and Groth Road, in the Town of Murray.
Transit Road, between Route 31 and West Brockville Road, in the Town of Murray.
Densmore Road, north of Route 31, in the Town of Albion.
Gaines Basin Road, between Albion Eagle Harbor Road and West Bacon Road, in the Town of Gaines.
Bates Road, between Telegraph Road and Portage Road, in the Village of Medina.
Marshall Road, between Route 31 and School Road, in the Town of Ridgeway.
Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said, “The residents of Orleans County are very grateful to Governor Cuomo and the NYSDOT for providing the funding to complete seven Erie Canal Bridge rehabilitation projects. After two years of construction efforts we now have safe and reliable access over the canal for our emergency services, commuters, and farmers. These bridges not only are a part of our rich heritage, but provide vital connections to our local businesses and residents. Investing in infrastructure is an easy thing to ignore, and you don’t know it’s too late until you are in crisis mode. It’s great to see this kind of investment paying dividends in developing reliable infrastructure that will keep our economy strong.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Erie Canal is a treasured part of the history of New York State and continues to play a vital role in sustaining the economic health and well-being of the Finger Lakes Region. The rehabilitation of these bridges demonstrates our commitment to improving the canal’s infrastructure to meet the needs of a 21st century economy while still respecting the important role the canal and the bridges have played in the history of not only the region but also the entire state and nation.”
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The rehabilitation of these seven iconic bridges over the Erie Canal is another example of Governor Cuomo’s continued investment in canalside communities that ensures these vital crossings continue to support the economic needs of the region. The Canal Corporation is proud to collaborate with the Department of Transportation on this project as it greatly improves the safety for all vehicles, including local farming equipment and emergency responders, crossing over the bridges and for the boats passing underneath on the canal.”
