Meeting convened at 4:10 pm by Robert Juravich.

Village of Rouses Point passed a resolution (attached).

No public restroom facilities between Watertown & Plattsburgh; this is an important project for enhancing the area; must think of the future

Achievable near-term objectives that need continued focus to get done; air service facility opportunities, in light of "9-11?"

Response: Concentrating service locations to attract better service;

Constant rebuilding of route carrying 400,000 trucks a year; want to get truck traffic out of town onto arterial-type roads, connect

Supports Cumberland Head connector road; an economic issues because this is connection to Vermont; need to be sure infrastructure is in place to support increased traffic for additional development; also working toward a bikeway along connector road (bike traffic from/to Vermont)

Cost factors need clarification (timeframe, amounts)?

Response: $0.5 – 1.0 billion over 20-30 years; amount and timeframe depends on political will and funding availability; best approach is to phase corridor in piecemeal fashion; need also to look for early starts opportunities (3-5 years)

What about new bridge to VT proposal? Choke points are important (crossing to Vermont), including trucking and tourism, and Cumberland Head choke point needs to be addressed. Can we get VT politicians on board?

Response: NYSDOT looking at this right now; Bridge issue not new. Bridge would need to be predicated on a strengthened corridor through North Country. Also similar concept being pushed through northern New England (E-W connection); Bridge is really another study, although it is certainly relevant as an issue in this study.

Land taking and landowners unwillingness to give up land?

Response: State policies address preserving agricultural land. EIS process also comes into play. Try to avoid takings whenever possible.

This project is about a 30-plus year old problem of a lack of good transportation from Watertown to Plattsburgh. This is an economic development project. This project needs a "champion." North Country connections are important in the long haul.

Does the report actually recommend a 4-lane highway replacement for Rt. 11? What about current homes along Rt. 11?

Response: No; upgrade Rt. 11 to be a higher functioning facility with bypasses and more lanes as appropriate. Similar evolution to Rt. 17/I-86 situation. Might or might not need to take properties.

Any consideration of working with options appropriate for lower population areas, such as 3-lane stretches, etc.? (e.g., Rt. 374 in Plattsburgh)

Response: Comments are valid, would be part of the phasing plan.

Is farmland expendable, but towns are to be bypassed? Have we spoken with agricultural community?

Response: Not required to do environmental impact assessment at this point; but any further work will require agricultural commission and farmer involvement. Valid idea to bring in farming community.