Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I – Corning) today noted that the final 2012-2013 state budget will not close any of the 11 state Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regional offices. All of the regional DOT offices will remain open, including the Region 6 office in Hornell, despite Governor Cuomo’s executive budget proposal, which would have consolidated the regional offices.

“I have enjoyed a longstanding and working relationship with our local regional office, and I am keenly aware of the integral role the Hornell staff plays in the implementation of many important projects throughout the region,” said Palmesano.

The Hornell regional office staff oversees very important projects such as the Route 17/I-86 conversion, the Route 15/I-99 project and the I-86/I-99 interchange project, among others,noted Palmesano; and the office has a successful working relationship with local towns throughout the region.

DOT Region 6 covers Allegany, Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler and Yates counties.

Furthermore, members of the Legislature have reached an additional agreement which will accept the governor’s proposal to maintain state funding for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) at last year’s increased funding level of approximately $363.1 million.

“The safety and viability of our roadways is very important to the revitalization of our region,” said Palmesano. “I’m glad to say that we have reached significant agreements to ensure they are properly funded and managed.”