Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald has assured the legislature that they will not close any of NYSDOT’s eleven regional offices during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Lupardo had raised concerns with the plan the Governor had included in his budget proposal to consolidate the state's eleven DOT regional offices down to six. She cites potential negative impacts to flood recovery efforts as well as vital infrastructure projects, such as the I-86 conversion.

“While streamlining government and making it as efficient and effective as possible is a priority, we must make sure it is done in ways that will not affect services our communities rely on, such as ongoing flood recovery efforts and the many important infrastructure projects occurring throughout the area,” said Lupardo. “This is important news not only for local DOT employees and their families, but for the entire Southern Tier.”

NOTE: Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) is a member of the Assembly Committee on Transportation.