Route 98 in Orleans and Genesee will be Veterans’ Memorial Highway

“It will serve as a continual reminder of what veterans have done for us in the past, present and future.” – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Photo by Tom Rivers – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley speaks during a Veterans Day service in Albion today.

One of Orleans County’s busiest roads, Route 98, has been designated as a memorial highway for local veterans.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday signed the legislation designating Route 98 from its northern tip in Carlton near Lake Ontario to the southern border of Genesee County as the “Genesee and Orleans Veterans’ Memorial Highway.”

Designating this portion of Route 98 is a fitting tribute to the service men and women who have selflessly defended the lives of millions of Americans, Cuomo said on Sunday when he signed the bill.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley introduced the legislation in the Assembly and secured Senate sponsors in George Maziarz and Michael Ranzenhofer.

“It will serve as a continual reminder of what veterans have done for us in the past, present and future,” Hawley said this afternoon about the memorial highway.

He said the state Department of Transportation will erect the signage along Route 98.

Hawley and the state senators considered other state highways in the two counties for the memorial highway, but decided Route 98 was the best choice.

“It’s right down the center,” Hawley said.

Cuomo also announced on Sunday that he signed legislation to ensure that the flags lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol in honor of a fallen soldier are presented to the loved ones of the deceased.

“As we honor the service of all those who served this Veterans Day, I am proud to sign this legislation to provide this lasting symbol to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” the governor said. “New York state commemorates the fallen by lowering flags flown above the State Capitol to half-staff, and by giving these flags to the loved ones of our heroes we will help further honor their memory and courage.”