Note: The following is an abbreviated summary of public comments received at the titled public information meeting for the North Country Transportation Study. The comments do not necessarily reflect the views of the Development Authority of the North Country, New York State Department of Transportation, or Wilbur Smith Associates.

Overall Concerns

• NYSDOT is looking for this study to answer fundamental questions.

• From a transportation standpoint, the five counties function as a region:

          Economic development needs

          Low highway ratings

          Lack of air service

          Threats to rail

• Franklin County has no N-S, no E-W corridors.

• Quality of Life has less value if you can’t get here to enjoy it.

• There is a lack of connections: air, bus, rail

• Study area/emphasizes E-W; it should [also] address N-S (e.g. rail from Utica); and it must also recognize links to other counties.

• Border crossing problems deter antique dealers coming to Malone from Canada.

Economic Development/Job Growth

• The study should identify phases, activities for each County to complete.

• Transportation improvements will speed economic development.

• NYSDOT is becoming more involved in economic development related activities.

• Technology can play a role in overcoming distance.

• Tax base expansion: are opportunities limited? Need to create opportunities!

• Unemployment statistics may be too conservative [underestimate severity].

• Population becoming spread out, thus more costly to service.

• Agriculture: Canada’s corn belt is 20 miles away.

• Better transportation would expand range of opportunities for farmers.

• What is impact of bypasses on villages/small towns?

Environmental Impacts

• There are worries about impact of Adirondack park on tourism.

Project History

• “Roof top highway” is an economic opportunity for Franklin County.

Project Status

• Will study become reality?

• This is not a “go it alone” project; we must resist temptation to each have own sandbox

Other Concerns

• Traffic safety board perspective: accident problems are significant in Franklin County.

• Life long resident perspective:  Recognizes need for economic development to support good jobs.

• The regional needs include highway improvements, rail, telecommunications

• We must make Main Street “people friendly”.

• We must make it easier to drive here safely.

• Rooftop highway: what route will it take?

• Malone handicapped by lack of transportation access.

• Trucks and traffic volumes have a significant impact on village areas.

• It is difficult to transport materials.

• Main Street is unsafe; these conditions are obstacle to development/business relocation.

• Too much reliance on roads, rooftop highway will be risky – could be economic drain

• The region also has energy  air quality concerns.

• While rail exists, it must be improved.

• Real estate prices are low, but could be boosted if transportation better.

• Bypass studies find that 80% of village traffic is local.  The other 20% is type that is not desirable in villages.

• Congestion leads to frustration which leads to unsafe conditions.

• Bypass routes should be close to villages.

• Who will maintain Main Street when a Town is bypassed? Town cannot afford it.

• Route 11 between communities is okay; village areas are problem.

• Gas price variations; why higher here?