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On July 19, 2024, at 9:36 a.m. State Police responded to Bob Johnson’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Watertown on State Route 11 in the town of Watertown regarding a military ordnance that was found inside a vehicle.  The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit along with a Fort Drum Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist responded to the scene to remove the device. The investigation has determined the driver of the vehicle was hired to clean out an empty residence when she discovered a box with military ordnance inside.  The woman placed the box inside her vehicle before traveling to the car dealership. The dealership contacted 911 after the woman revealed what she had found to their staff. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-military-ordnance-found-inside-vehicle-watertown

On July 22, 2024, at about 5:50 p.m. New York State Police responded to US-11 at the intersection of State Route 342 in the town of Le Ray for a personal injury accident. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jeffrey C. Murrock , 39, from Watertown, NY, was driving a 2023 red Harvester tractor south on US-11 behind a 2009 gray Hyundai Sonata driven by Jennifer M. Lavancha , 38, from Calcium, NY. The Harvester failed to slow down and maintain its lane, rear-ending the Hyundai, which was stopped at a red light. Murrock was issued a ticket for Failure to Keep Right. Three passengers of the Hyundai, Erynn R. Howland , age 19, from Calcium, Samantha J. Lavancha , age 13, from Calcium, and Tasha Mcconnell , age 17, from Watertown, sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision. They were transported to Samaritan Medical Center for evaluation. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-investigate-harvester-tractor-vs-car-town-le-ray

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Daniel B. Brubaker, the Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today that ANTHONY ALFANO was arrested after he made a series of graphic and violent threats to kill U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) employees and burn down U.S. post offices in Ossining, New York.  ALFANO was arrested in Yorktown Heights, New York, this morning and is expected to appear this afternoon in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The charges against the defendant underscore this Office’s unwavering commitment to swiftly collaborate with our law enforcement partners to neutralize threats against the U.S. mail system.  Any individual who dares to cross the line and threaten our postal employees and facilities with violence and destruction will be stopped in their tracks, and we will ensure they are held accountable for their actions.” USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service does not take lightly any threats of violence against USPS employees.  This behavior will never be tolerated, and we will work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to maintain a safe working environment for the postal employees we protect.  That is our mission, and that is our unwavering commitment to the people we serve.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On Saturday, June 22, 2024, ANTHONY ALFANO was awaiting the delivery of a parcel that had been mailed out via USPS from Florida the evening before.  According to ALFANO, the parcel contained cremated remains.  In a series of phone calls with USPS call center representatives before the package was scheduled to arrive, ALFANO threatened to kill USPS employees and burn down U.S. post offices because he apparently believed the parcel was not going to arrive when he wanted it to.  ALFANO’s threats included the following: ALFANO threatened, “I am gonna start killing you guys one by one.”  He also said, “people are going to die,” and that there would be “a lot of dead bodies,” “hurt people,” and people who would “not be returning home.”  ALFANO also swore to kill his local mail carrier, stating that he would “walk up to him” and “blow his brains out.”  Referencing a notorious “massacre,” ALFANO warned that it would not “have shit on what I’m about to do” and that his actions would go down “in history.” ALFANO also made threats to kill members of the postal police by using incendiary ammunition, as well as threats to burn down U.S. post offices.  For example, he welcomed the arrival of the postal police and said, “as soon as they show up at my door they’re gonna catch a hot one,” referring to shooting them with a “napalm round” from his 12-gauge shotgun.  “I’m going to kill every one of those motherfuckers,” he said.  He further threatened, “I’m gonna burn all the post offices down to the ground” and said he would go to his local post office and “burn it down to the fucking ground.” Underscoring his commitment to carry out his threats, ALFANO said several times, “I don’t make threats, I make promises.”  He also expressly swore to carry out his threats and said, “I really don’t care if I go to jail or not.” On Monday, June 24, 2024, ALFANO received his parcel on the next business day after it had been mailed out on the Friday before. ALFANO has a history of encounters with law enforcement because of prior threats he has made against others, including local police officers, delivery persons, and customer service representatives.                                 * ANTHONY ALFANO, 46, of Ossining, New York, is charged with threatening interstate communications, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and willfully making a threat involving fire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the USPIS in investigating the threats charged in the Complaint and undertaking security measures to protect USPS employees and facilities.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Village of Ossining Police Department and City of Peekskill Police Department for their assistance in this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Reyhan Watson is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.   [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 Updated July 19, 2024 SOURCES: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ossining-man-arrested-threatening-kill-usps-employees-and-burn-down-us-post-offices

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KONRAD BICHER was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield to 51 months in prison in connection with his fraudulent operation of real estate businesses, including by entering into lease agreements for residential apartment units in Manhattan on false and fraudulent pretenses and by making false statements to obtain loans guaranteed by the U.S. government.  BICHER previously pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Bicher schemed to defraud New York City landlords and the U.S. Government.  Bicher enriched himself by abusing Government programs and tenant protections intended to benefit people and businesses in need during one of the worst economic and public health crises in history.  He bragged about his schemes to his friends and the media, proudly referring to himself as the ‘Wolf of Airbnb,’ but as today’s sentence underscores, those who partake in such callous and fraudulent conduct will answer for their crimes, no matter their self-given title.” According to the allegations in the Complaint, Indictment, other court documents, and statements made in Court: Beginning in at least February 2019, BICHER and/or individuals working in concert with BICHER, began renting apartment units (the “Units”) in Manhattan.  The Units were leased pursuant to lease agreements which required that the lessee make monthly rental payments and also included clauses that prohibited the lessee from renting the Units to third parties on a short-term basis and/or included clauses that prohibited the lessee from subletting the Units to third parties without written consent of the owner.  Despite the requirement to make monthly rental payments, BICHER failed to make payments as required by the lease agreements.  For many of the Units, BICHER also refused to vacate the Units after the expiration of the lease agreements.  During the period of time that BICHER failed to make required rental payments, including the period of time after a lease agreement expired and the premises had not been vacated, BICHER derived income by renting the Units on a short-term basis, including by posting the Units for rent on various online marketplaces, including Airbnb, Inc. (“Airbnb”).  Between in or about July 2019, and in or about April 2022, BICHER and his associates failed to make more than $1,000,000 in payments pursuant to the Lease Agreements or, for the period of time after the expiration of the Lease Agreements, based on the estimated fair market value for the Units.  During this period, BICHER caused the Units to be listed for short-term rent on Airbnb and at least one other online marketplace for short-term rentals, resulting in at least $1,170,000 in rental income to BICHER and his associates. Throughout the course of this scheme, the lessors of the Units made numerous efforts to recover rental payments from BICHER and/or to stop BICHER from continuing to rent the Units on a short-term basis, including by initiating civil litigation against BICHER.  BICHER relied on legal protections intended to benefit tenants, including tenant protections adopted in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to oppose the lawsuits.  Despite relying on tenant protections for New Yorkers in need, BICHER continued to generate revenue by renting certain Units on a short-term basis.  In addition, between at least in or about April 2021, until in or about July 2021, BICHER obtained Government-guaranteed loans through a loan program of the U.S. Small Business Administration designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  In furtherance of this scheme, BICHER submitted at least four applications for PPP loans on behalf of at least three entities and obtained over $565,000 in loan proceeds.  These PPP applications contained fraudulent documents and false information.  For example, in connection with the PPP applications, BICHER submitted tax documents which were purportedly filed with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  These documents were falsified, in that the entities seeking PPP loans had not actually filed the purported tax returns with the IRS, and BICHER had not otherwise reported the purported income to the IRS. During the course of the scheme, BICHER referred to himself as the “Wolf of Airbnb” and explained to media outlets that this nickname referred to the fact that he was “hungry and ruthless enough to get on top of the financial ladder” and had the “ferocity…of a wolf, because wolves are territorial, vicious, and show no mercy when provoked.”                                 * In addition to the prison term, BICHER, 32, of Hialeah, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  He was additionally ordered to forfeit $1,740,407.12 and pay restitution in the amount of $2,227,371.58.  Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weinberg is in charge of the prosecution. Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 Updated July 22, 2024

LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, is excited to announce its participation in SIGGRAPH 2024. At this premier event, GIGABYTE will showcase how its cutting-edge hardware is essential for advanced AI workflows. Attendees will experience AI scenarios powered by the latest GIGABYTE technology at the booth. AI VR Video Upscaling and Editing Workflow GIGABYTE to Showcase AI-Enhanced Hardware Solutions at SIGGRAPH 2024 In collaboration with Hugh Hou, a visual storyteller with over 230K subscribers on his VR filmmaking YouTube channel HughHouFilm , GIGABYTE will present an immersive 8K VR video creation demo. This station highlights the capabilities of GIGABYTE AI PC, featuring the TRX50 AERO D and GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4090 GAMING OC . Key features of this demo include: AI-Driven Workflow: Observe an advanced AI-driven process that is transforming VR video production. AI Video Upscaling: Experience the upscaling of lower resolution video footage to stunning 8K clarity using Topaz Video AI. Real-Time Video Editing: Discover the power of real-time editing and previewing of high-definition VR content in Adobe Premiere Pro, all while the video is being upscaled. Interactive and Immersive VR Experience: Engage with an immersive VR environment that redefines visual creativity. Generative AI Lab Explore the power of AI-driven image generation with GIGABYTE's generative AI lab, showcased on the AORUS 17X laptop. This interactive demo allows attendees to: Watch as Stable Diffusion and ComfyUI transform your live image based on selected models and text descriptions. Experience the AORUS 17X drives the seamless integration of real-time visual inputs with AI-driven enhancements. AI TOP: Train Your Own AI On Your Desk Additionally, GIGABYTE will demonstrate the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER AI TOP 16G , introduced at COMPUTEX 2024. This graphics card provides stable and powerful AI computing, even in demanding multi-card setups or prolonged use. Backed by GIGABYTE's high-quality verification and specialized simulation tests, it delivers exceptional AI performance. GIGABYTE's presence at SIGGRAPH 2024 underscores its commitment to AI and hardware innovation. In addition to the event, GIGABYTE partners with industry leaders like Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD to create a robust AI ecosystem, enhancing their AI technologies across multiple sectors. Leading the launch of Azure AI laptops with Microsoft, GIGABYTE also integrates hybrid AI applications like Microsoft Copilot, embedding AI services and technologies into existing platforms for an immersive AI experience. Join us at SIGGRAPH 2024, booth# 216, to see how GIGABYTE leads in AI-driven technology for creative and professional workflows. SOURCE GIGABYTE

We are deeply saddened to hear about the severe storms and tornadoes that ravaged New York State, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least one life. My thoughts go out to all those affected by this devastating event. The tornadoes touched down in various areas, including Rome, Hamilton County, and Warren County, leaving a trail of destruction and causing power outages for over 110,000 people across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, acknowledging the significant impact on Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and the Southern Tier. The scenes of devastation, with roads blocked by fallen trees, uprooted sidewalks, and damage to power lines and streetlights, paint a distressing picture of the aftermath. The strong winds in Rome, reaching almost 80 mph, overturned vehicles, caused structural damage and even moved a large B-52 bomber off its platform. This extreme weather comes on the heels of similar storms in the Midwest, where the National Weather Service issued a high number of tornado warnings. The people affected by these events are in our thoughts, and we hope that they receive the support and assistance they need during this challenging time.

History of the Fair The Fair has a rich history that dates back to 1841 when the Herkimer County Agricultural Society started traveling from village to village. Eventually, the Fair found its home at the Herkimer Site, now known as the Herkimer Thruway interchange, in the early 1900s. Over the years, the Fair evolved, incorporating as the County Fair and establishing a race track and grandstand, which unfortunately were destroyed by fire. However, this setback did not deter the Fair, and in 1950, it found a new location in Frankfort, where it was held annually. In 1958, the Fair made another significant move to a permanent site on Cemetery Hill Street in Frankfort after acquiring the Slocum Farm. The inaugural event at this new location featured the existing farm buildings and numerous tents, with Gillette Shows providing the carnival entertainment for the 4-day fair, attracting an impressive attendance of 14,000 visitors. As the years passed, the Fair continued to expand and develop. Today, it sprawls across 26 acres and boasts 10 permanent buildings, including essential facilities like bathrooms, showers, and a Horse Corral. The event show ring is surrounded by 1,850 aluminum bleacher seats, providing a comfortable viewing experience for attendees. The Fairgrounds have become a hub for various events throughout the year. Notable gatherings include the Great American Irishfest in July, the New York State Trappers Convention in August, and the New York State Good Sam Samboree also in July. Additionally, the Fairgrounds host auctions, craft fairs, motor home rallies, and music festivals, making it a vibrant and diverse venue. Today, the Fair attracts over 70,000 visitors during its 6-day duration, with Gillette Shows remaining an integral part of the event. The Fair's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving annual celebration reflects its enduring appeal and importance within the community. Sources: https://www.herkimercountyfair.org/history

https://www.herkimercountyfair.org/daily-fair-schedule 2024 Fair Theme:“Saddle up and Come on down to the Fair” Tuesday, August 13th       Time                 Event                                    Location                                         Sponsor    3:00 pm         Opening Ceremonies                                    Memorial Park    4:00 pm         Gates Officially Open   5:30 pm         Small Animal Judging                                   Small Animal Bldg                                        Tractor Supply    6:30 pm         Little Mister, Little Miss Pageants                 Entertainment Complex                                Gillette Shows           8:30 pm          Princess, Prince, Queen Pageants              Entertainment Complex                                Gillette Shows              10:00 pm          Fireworks                                                     Show Ring  ​    Wednesday, August 14th       Time                Event                                   Location                                         Sponsor      10:00 am     Youth & Open Colored Dairy Breed Show   Livestock Arena      10:00 am to   Children's Day (rides open at Noon)            4:00 pm           ½ Price for Adults + Seniors until 4:00 pm     11:00 am to   Senior Bingo                                               Entertainment Pavilion            2:00 pm       5:00 pm       Kiddie Firematics                                        M&T Bank Youth Arena                                Stewart's Shops       6:00 pm       Brookfield Garden Tractor Pull                    Show Ring       7:30 pm &    Vinyl Logic                                                  Entertainment Pavilion        9:00 pm                                                                                                              ​   Thursday August 15th       Time                Event                                   Location                                         Sponsor  ​ 10:00 am         Youth & Open Beef Show                            Livestock arena    10:00 am to   Children's Day (rides open at Noon)         4:00 pm         1:00 pm           Sports Challenge                                       M&T Bank Youth Arena                                Stewart's Shops    1:00 pm          Ice Cream Giveaway                                  Ag Awareness Bldg                                      Herkimer County Dairy                                                                                                                                                                         & Stewart's Shops   5:00 pm         Youth & Open Sheep Show                           Livestock Arena     5:00 pm        Kiddie Firematics                                          M&T BANK Youth Arena                               M&T Bank    7:00 pm         Demolition Derby (Cars,Vans and Trucks)   Elthorp Show Ring                                        Vince's-U-Pull-It    7:30 pm  &    Anthony Labarbera and the Fast IV             Entertainment Pavilion         9:00 pm ​   Friday August 16th       Time                Event                                   Location                                         Sponsor   10:00 am         Youth & Open Holstein Show                       Livestock arena    11:30 am to    Agricultural Scavenger Hunt                        Pavilion by Administration Office                    White's Farm Supply     1:30 pm   3:00 pm         Children's Pedal Tractor Pull                        M&T Bank Youth Arena                                  M&T Bank    5:00 pm          Children's Pedal Tractor Pull                        M&T Bank Youth Arena                                  Big Dog Motors   7:00 pm         Demolition Derby                                                     Elthorp Show Ring                             Vince's-U-Pull-It    7:30 pm &      Fas4ward                                                      Entertainment Pavilion        9:00 pm   Saturday August 17th       Time                Event                                   Location                                         Sponsor    9:00 am        Open & Youth Horse Show                              Horse Corral                                                 Oak Hill Motors & Corner Office  10:00 am        Open & Youth Dairy Goat Show                      Livestock Arena  11:00 am        Soccer Kick                                                     M & T Bank Youth Arena                               Stewart's Shops   4:00 pm         Children's Barrel Racing                                 M&T Bank Youth Arena                                 M&T Bank   6:00 pm         4 Wheel Drive Truck Pull                                 Elthorp Show Ring                                        Buell Fuels, Little Falls Lumber,                                                                                                                                                                                                                  & Mid-Valley Auto in Ilion, NY   7:30 pm &     Northern Outlaws                                            Entertainment Pavilion      9:00 pm ​ Sunday August 18th       Time                Event                                   Location                                         Sponsor   9:00 am       Open & Youth Gymkhana Horse Show       Horse Corral                                                     Oak Hill Motors 11:00 am       Tractor Pull                                                 Show Ring                                                         Buell Fuels & Clinton Tractor                                  11:00 am       Hoop Shoot                                                M & T Bank Youth Arena                                   Stewart's Shops  1:00 pm       Karaoke Finals                                           Entertainment Pavilion                                      Bug Country   1:00 pm       Milking Contest                                           Ag Awareness Bldg                                          White's Farm Supply   3:00 pm       Farmyard Olympics                                    Livestock Arena  4:00 pm       Children's Rodeo                                       M&T Bank Youth Arena                                     M&T Bank   6:00 pm       Children's Power Wheel Demo                  Elthorp Show Ring                                            Petkovsek Family & Stewart Shops ​ ​

On July 10, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m., state troopers responded to the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge in the town of Ulster for a report of a male who jumped off the bridge. Investigation revealed that the male was riding a bicycle on the bridge before stopping mid-span and jumping. The State Police Underwater Recovery Team (URT), Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, East Kingston Water Rescue, and New York State Police Aviation responded and searched the area for the body. The search was halted that evening due to darkness. On the morning of July 11, 2024, the search was resumed and the body was located by The State Police Underwater Recovery Team that afternoon. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-underwater-recovery-team-recovered-body-male-jumper-kingston-rhinecliff

On July 11, 2024, at approximately 5:36 p.m., troopers from SP Rochester conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The operator, Amiricle J. Snead, age 22, of Rochester, NY, initially stopped and produced his identification, then sped off. The troopers initiated a pursuit that traversed several city streets. At approximately 5:38 p.m., the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound on Wolff Street turned right onto Warner Street, where it struck a marked New York State Police patrol car, which was traveling north on Warner Street. Subsequent to the collision, Snead fled on foot and was taken into custody without incident. The passenger, Davian F. Pride, age 20, of Rochester, NY, was taken into custody at the scene. Both Snead and Pride were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. The troopers were not injured.  This is an ongoing investigation.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-take-two-rochester-residents-custody-after-pursuit

Sergeant Harry J. Wheeler, 31, a former resident of Schenectady, died in a motorcycle accident on July 15, 1927, on Route 5 near Sherrill, New York. Trooper Wheeler was returning to Troop D Headquarters after directing traffic at Oneida Community Limited. He was going west on Route 5 when he was crowded to the right by an unknown vehicle and struck the stone abutment of the Duross Underpass. Sergeant Wheeler joined the Division at Troop A Batavia in 1919. He resigned after completion of a two-year enlistment and re-enlisted at Troop D Oneid, on March 5, 1921. He was in charge of the motor pool operations and had been promoted to Sergeant shortly before his death. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=794302402893476&set=a.153499116973811

New Turning Lane, Traffic Signal and Signs Will Improve Traffic Flow and Pedestrian Accommodations at Key Interchange with Thruway New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that work is underway on a $2.3 million project to enhance public safety along North Genesee Street (State Route 921C) in the City of Utica, Oneida County. The project will add a new turning lane, traffic signal and other improvements to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and provide greater pedestrian accommodations in the vicinity of the interchange with the New York State Thruway’s Exit 31 and Interstate 790, which serves as a major gateway to the downtown area and provides access to several area attractions, including the annual Boilermaker Road Race, Utica University Nexus Center, Utica Memorial Auditorium, The Stanley Theatre, Munson Museum of Art, and Saranac Brewery.  “New York State continues to put public safety first under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, by making investments in our infrastructure that will allow people and goods to get where they need to go as efficiently and safely as possible and without incident,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “This project will make it even easier to access the City of Utica and provide vibrancy to an already exciting destination in the Mohawk Valley.” North Genesee Street is a four-lane, undivided highway that connects the downtown area with the Thruway’s Exit 31, which is the only Thruway entrance to the City of Utica. As part of the project, the existing yield sign at the intersection of North Genesee Street and the Exit 31/I-790 northbound off ramp will be replaced with a three-color traffic signal that will stop traffic on North Genesee Street and allow motorists to enter North Genesee Street without weaving into flowing traffic. The new signal will also provide pedestrians with push-button access to the crosswalk.  An additional right turn lane will also be constructed from the Exit 31/I-790 northbound off ramp to North Genesee Street and will provide a second right turn lane to allow motorists time to enter the lane that corresponds with their destination, providing added capacity for vehicles stopped at the new signal. Additional improvements include the resurfacing of North Genesee Street from the Thruway Exit 31/I-790 southbound off ramp to Auert Avenue, installation of new overhead signs, guiderail replacement and drainage improvements.  The project also includes the placement of new planters on the medians along State Route 5S from Schuyler Street to Broad Street; and North Genesee Street from State Route 5S to Wurz Avenue in the City of Utica to enhance the appearance of this gateway into the city.   To complete the project, the Exit 31/I-790 northbound ramp to North Genesee Street will be closed for approximately four weeks in late summer, with a signed detour in place utilizing the Exit 31/I-790 southbound ramp. The public will be notified of the ramp closure and detour as the project progresses. A temporary, traffic signal at the Thruway Exit 31/I-790 southbound ramp will be activated in the coming weeks to prepare motorists for the change in traffic pattern and accommodate increased traffic on this ramp during construction. The expected date of completion of the project is December 2024.  This project is being funded by a mix of federal and state dollars.  State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “Investing in and rehabilitating our infrastructure is an important endeavor. This project will enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists, reduce congestion, improve accessibility to downtown Utica and attractions in the area and boost tourism and economic opportunities in the region." Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said , “Public safety will always be a top priority for me. I appreciate the efforts of the state Department of Transportation to enhance the accessibility and beauty for those using the Thruway and state highways to enter and leave our beautiful city.  I will also remain committed to reviewing the project’s goals to be sure they meet the needs of the community I represent.” Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime said, “North Genesee Street has seen an incredible amount of redevelopment over the past decade.  Whether it is entertainment, food and beverage, or hotels, the gateway between North Utica and the city center is now a pedestrian multimodal hub.  Focusing on how to maintain Exit 31 and the corridor as a functional component of our commercial strength in Utica, while giving the ability for locals, business travelers, and tourists to utilize North Genesee Street on foot is an essential component of our success on the east side and west side of our flourishing canal and harbor districts.” About the Department of Transportation It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State. Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers! For more information, find us on Facebook , follow us on X , regional X or Instagram , or visit our website . For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. Sources: https://www.dot.ny.gov/portal/page/portal/news/press-releases/2024/2024-07-10