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Central’s tax increase
Dear Editor:
Now that Western New York State has largely recovered from the October snow storm and the winter driving season is upon us, I'd like to express my pride and appreciation for the incredible work that took place to restore the transportation system.
The dedicated employees of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) worked diligently to ensure that state highways remained open and passable after more than two feet of snow fell across the area. We concentrated on snow and ice removal at the onset of the storm, followed by a massive effort to remove debris and clear downed tree limbs and branches. At the peak of the recovery efforts, approximately 1,000 NYSDOT employees and 550 pieces of equipment from across the state were activated to assist.
Especially noteworthy are the personal stories of the men and women who were called out to respond to storm recovery throughout the Buffalo region and calls they answered without hesitation, even as many were suffering power outages and damage to their own homes. These folks put the wellbeing of their fellow citizens ahead of their own needs in an effort to restore the mobility of our transportation system, which we so often take for granted.
This commitment demonstrates why New York State's highways are among the safest and best in the United States. I am extremely proud of the dedication and professionalism exhibited by NYSDOT employees during this storm and so many others that are routinely handled without fanfare or accolade. I invite you to join me in thanking these loyal and dedicated public servants for a job well done.
Thomas J. Madison Jr.,
Commissioner New York State Department
of Transportation
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