Borrello says he's been given assurances that Chautauqua Lake Bridge is safe during reconstruction...
Officials with the New York State Department of Transportation and Governor Kathy Hochul's office insist that the Veteran's Memorial Bridge over Chautauqua Lake is safe to travel on during it's reconstruction. That from State Senator George Borrello... who says he's been in contact with both in the wake of multiple social media positings about alleged issues over the work being done on the $78-million project. The Sunset Bay Republican says he will continue following up on the matter with the DOT to ensure the public's confidence. He says they would not allow traffic on the span if it was not safe. The new span is being constructed between Stow and Bemus Point where the current bridge is, and carries Interstate 86 over Chautauqua Lake. The State DOT is restricting traffic to one side during the project. One social media post questioned the pressure washing of some steel beams in the work area... and, Borrello says he did see that post. He says -- given the level of concern expressed by himself -- and other lawmakers -- that great care has been taken to ensure motorists safety on the span. Borrello says he appreciates the additional reviews of the bridge during it's reconstruction.
Borrello introduces two highway and maintenance safety bills...
Two new pieces of legislation in Albany are aimed at enhancing safety in highway construction and maintenance zones across New York state. Senator Borrello announced the introduction of both bills this week. Borrello says the first bill would expand and strengthen the State DOT's Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program by mandating the installation of at least two photo speed violation monitoring systems in work areas on state highways and the Thruway. In general... he says they do a good job of keeping motorists safe, but, more can be done to protect workers. The Sunset Bay Republican says the other bill would increase fines for failure to move over or slow down when there is a stopped vehicle on the roadway under the state's Move Over Law. Borrello says there's currently a $150 fine for a first-offense... and, a $300-dollar fine for a second... but, no points on the driver's license. Under his bill... the first fine would be $450... and $600 for a second... and, there would be six-points on a driver's license. For a third conviction within 18 months... he says there would be a fine of up to $750, up to one year in jail, or both.
Olean couple arrested for nearly $7,000 in Welfare Fraud...
Two Olean residents have been arrested for allegedly commiting nearly $7,000 in Welfare Fraud dating back to early last year. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's officers say their investigation into a complaint made by the county's Department of Social Services led to the arrests of 39 year-old Peter Jones... and, 36 year-old Jessica Bliss of North Sixth Street. Both are accused of being involved in an EBT/Food Stamp benefit card trafficking operation, and stealing $6,937 worth of benefits belonging to another person. Jones and Bliss were both arraigned on charges of third-degree grand larceny... and, third-degree welfare fraud. Both were released with appearance tickets for Olean City Court.
Langworthy to host second-Vietnam-Era Pinning Ceremony in Olean...
A second Vietnam-Era Veteran Pinning Ceremony will be held in Olean later today following the successful one held recently in Chautauqua County. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy will again host the event for those veterans from Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties. Langworthy says this 50th Anniversary ceremony will be held at the Cutco Theater on the Cattaragus Campus of Jamestown Community College beginning at 3 p.m. The Buffalo-area Republican says the Pinning Ceremonies are being done in partnership with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.
CHQ Chamber pleased with how Downtown Jamestown Cruisin' went...
Last Friday's annual Downtown Jamestown Cruisin' put on by the CHQ Chamber of Commerce was a definate success. The event went on without a hitch following rain showers that hit the Jamestown area much of the morning and early afternoon. However... there weren't as many class, vintage and other show vehicles involved due to the earlier rain. CHQ Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater says they still had well over 100 cars... and the sun was out, but, temperatures were very comfortable. Heitzenrater says car numbers were down because some owners don't want to take them out in the rain. He says that the county chamber -- along with the Jamestown Community Chamber -- took up putting on the show to help drive foot traffic into the downtown area. He says they again had "In Crowd" provide music at the corner of Third and Main Streets... and, a couple of street vendors to compliment the businesses in that part of the city.
