A long-range transportation plan has been released for Herkimer County and is available for review at the Old Forge Library with public comments being accepted through November 13, 2014, according to the Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study (HOCTS).
The plan is a final draft of the Long-Range Transportation Plan Update 2035 for Herkimer and Oneida Counties (LRTP).
It is a 20-year planning document, that is updated every five years.
The Plan identifies transportation regional trends, goals, needs, and funding.
The Plan is responsive to the needs of a broad population and addresses major transportation planning concerns including: highways, bridges, public transit, rail, freight, bicyclists, pedestrians, aviation and canals.
The Plan helps to ensure that federal transportation funds are allocated effectively in order to improve mobility, support economic progress and protect the environment.
It is required to be updated in five-year intervals to ensure that federal transportation funding is programmed in responsible, collaborative and coordinated manner.
It provides the framework that guides regional planning, federal funding and implementation of transportation projects in Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
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Old Forge Meeting
The Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study (HOCTS) gave a presentation and received comment from the public at a hearing held in Old Forge on August 13.
During the Economic Efficiency portion, presented by Program Manager Dana Crisino, there were questions about the McKeever Bridge project.
Audience members asked whether HOCTS had any involvement or could influence the McKeever Bridge project once decisions had been made and the project set in motion.
Crisino gave details about the work being done, but said it is primarily a project of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
HOCTS does have some limited involvement, he said.
Concern was stated regarding bridge accessibility and safety for a bicycle tour event that is scheduled to be held next summer on August 23.
The riders will be crossing the bridge on their way to Old Forge.
The event is expected to draw 600 bicycle riders with activities planned for two nights.
The question was whether HOCTS staff has any influence to work with NYSDOT staff to improve construction schedules of McKeever Bridge before the August 2015 event.
Crisino assured the local public that NYSDOT is “very well aware” and is trying to figure ways to manage the bridge project better and quicker.
A question was asked about whether HOCTS could serve as an additional voice for town supervisors and municipalities, when working with NYSDOT.
Or could HOCTS serve as a liaison?
A suggestion was made about possibly using the old alternate bridge, just below McKeever Bridge, while McKeever Bridge is closed. That might speed the repair work, it was suggested.
Crisino was told that Town of Webb Supervisor Ted Riehle had never been notified in advance of the bridge project by the NYSDOT.
It was also noted that the closure was started in the middle of the area’s busiest tourist season.
The community would have been better served had the project started in April, it was suggested.
Webb Publicity Director, Mike Farmer, explained that the town’s events are spread over the year to achieve sustainable tourism.
The McKeever Bridge project has frustrated the tourists in getting to events, he said.
Farmer told Crisino he is concerned that tourists may refrain from return visits if they were to experience long delays and become frustrated.
He also noted that the local business climate is challenging enough without the introduction of manmade obstacles, that are arguably preventable.
The community also has concerns as to the project’s effect on emergency vehicle transportation.
One occurence Farmer described had nearly 10,000 visitors traveling to Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, and experiencing two-hour traffic waits.
For Utica visitors, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad could be used as an alternate mode of transportation, it was suggested.
Crisino said HOCTS does not have influence with the Scenic Railroad, as it is operated by a not-for-profit.
However, HOCTS could talk with Railroad officials about coordinating its schedules with Town of Webb events.
Talks could also take place with Birnie Bus about providing shuttle services for 2015 or 2016.
It was suggested that bus operations might transport visitors from Utica’s Union Station to as far north as Raquette Lake. This might provide convenience and lessen traffic congestion.
In planning for future transportation needs, it would be useful to assemble data on Town of Webb residents that commute south for employment.
It was suggested that, as the Marcy Nano Center continues to take shape, the Town of Webb could find itself becoming a bedroom community to some.
Improvement in transportation coordination, options and schedules could become necessary as a result.
Transit buses and shuttles, railroad, park and rides, trails, highway and bridge improvements might help the Town of Webb local economy when the Nano Center becomes reality.
Trails funding is very important to the Town of Webb’s economy, it was explained, including for snowmobile uses.
There was discussion of the state’s proposed High-Speed Rail infrastructure. But its effect on the Town of Webb, were it to happen, is unclear.
Mike Farmer did state that his publicity office gets about 10 inquiries a week about passenger services from New York City to Old Forge. So there is some interest, he said.
As for the condition of existing roads, the current “Bare Road Policy” is tearing up the pavement yearly, it was said.
And winter commuters are slowed by plow/salt trucks, as well.
This does not make sense, some said. Sand treatment seems preferable to the current salt, which frequently turns to slush making roads more hazardous.
Crisino was also told that “pavement mill and fill” is backfiring on Route 28. Snow plows tear the pavement in a continuous and expensive cycle that needs to be broken.
This problem does and will affect the area’s ability to attract visitors and residents, it was said.
Also attending the HOCTS meeting in Old Forge were Nick Rose, executive director of CAP-21; Ray Schoeberlein of Community Transportation Services in the Town of Webb; and Dick Bird, president of the Adirondack North Country Association.
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The draft document is available at the Old Forge Library located at 220 Crosby Boulevard in Old Forge, and via the web site: ocgov.net/planning/hocts.
Written comments on the draft LRTP Update 2035 will be accepted by fax, hard-copy (mail or in-person delivery), or by e-mail.
All comments should be legible and include the person’s name and address.
Comments can be mailed to: Dana R. Crisino, Transportation Program Manager; Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study; Oneida County Department of Planning; Boehlert Center at Union Station; 321 Main Street; Utica, NY 13501.
They can also be emailed to planning@ocgov.net or faxed to (315) 798-5852.
In conjunction with the public review period, a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at 11 a.m. in 3rd floor Department of Planning Conference Room, Boehlert Center at Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501.