Connect With Kathy - August 24, 2012
Aug 24, 2012 Issues: Jobs and Economy, Local Issues
Dear Friends,
It has been another busy week serving the 26th District of New York. Here are some highlights from Western New York. For more frequent updates, please like my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
Relocating the Williamsville Toll Barrier Project
On Tuesday, I called on Federal Highway Administrator Victor M. Mendez to take action on the long-stalled Williamsville toll barrier relocation project.
The project, which was initiated in the 1990s, would relocate the Williamsville toll barrier from heavily populated suburbs and help alleviate health and environmental risks caused by idling trucks and other vehicles at the tolls.
In my letter, I urged the Administration to expedite the conclusion of the Environmental Impact Statement and to release the results. Once results of the EIS are released, New York State Thruway Authority officials have said they can move forward with the project. I am hopeful a conclusion to this matter will be reached in order to advance this project, ease health and environmental concerns, and relieve motorists and businesses of an unnecessary financial burden.
Fighting For Western New York Jobs
On Wednesday, I toured Gooding Company’s Lockport facility to spotlight the adverse affect delays by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are having on job creation in Western New York.
Like many manufacturers, Gooding Company is looking for ways to expand their business. However, for nearly 8 months, the company has been waiting on the implementation of an FDA rule impacting the products they produce. I sent a letter to Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of the FDA, requesting clarification on the delayed FDA proposal to reduce uncertainty for the Gooding Company and to allow this local company to expand.
Manufacturers across the country are suffering due to uncertainty caused by the Federal Government. I will continue to urge agencies like the FDA to provide clarity to our local businesses so they can invest, expand, and create jobs. As your Representative, I will fight for the conditions businesses need to grow and strengthen Western New York’s economy.
Rep. Hochul meets with Gerald Hace, president of Gooding Company
Touring Main Street
On Thursday, I toured Main Street in Dansville to visit local small businesses including Toadally Wine, Dansville Stationers, and the Star Theatre to learn more about their operations. During my tour, I was joined by local leaders who shared their ideas about infrastructure investment and strategies to attract more people to Main Street. We also discussed successful programs, like the New York Main Street Program which provides resources to strengthen local economies.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, which is why helping local business owners is a key component of my REBUILD Plan. My plan serves as a blueprint for policies, practices, and investments designed to expand economic opportunities and strengthen the economic future of Western New York. I will continue to ensure Western New York’s small businesses have access to the capital they need to grow and provide the support they need to rebuild our economy.
Rep. Hochul tours Main Street in Dansville
Contact My Office
As your Representative, I am proud to serve the people of Western New York, and I will continue to work to strengthen our community. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of my offices or email me through my website by clicking here.
Sincerely,
Kathy Hochul
Member of Congress
