Trucking community fighting to keep New York rest areas open By Clarissa Kell-Holland, Land Line staff writer
As states like New York continue to struggle with ongoing financial challenges, the New York State Department of Transportation’s deadline of Dec. 1 for closing another four rest areas is drawing near.
On Monday, Nov. 22, the trucking community met with NYSDOT officials to discuss the safety concerns they have with closing these sites, which provide critical parking to both truckers and motorists traveling through the state.
A familiar name at the meeting was Hope Rivenburg, whose husband, Jason, was killed after he was forced to park his rig in an unlit area and was murdered for the $7 in cash he had on him.
She has also been instrumental in organizing protests at two of the rest areas to be closed.
OOIDA Life Member Lou Esposito of Duanesburg, NY, also attended the meeting with state DOT officials. He pointed out that closing the rest areas is a serious safety concern.
“Where are all of these trucks supposed to park? Nobody wants to come to New York anyway because of the taxes, and now we are going to further cut what little truck parking we have in this state,” Esposito said.
In addition to being a safety issue, Esposito said it’s an economic issue in the state as well.
“None of these distribution centers or facilities will allow you in before your appointment time,” he said. “They all have signs posted ‘no overnight parking’ allowed. We think we have problems now. Just wait until it starts costing the shipping and receiving community more money to bring freight into the area because we’re not truck-friendly, then that’s really going to hurt this state.”
Kendra Adams, executive director of the New York State Motor Truck Association, said she understands that the NYSDOT is under financial constraints that prevent them from changing their position on the temporary closure of six rest areas. But the fight is not over to reopen them in the near future.
“We will need to work with Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo and his staff to encourage the reopening of these areas,” Adams told Land Line. “The NYSMTA certainly understands the budget issues facing New York, but we find it unacceptable that the state would choose to find savings by potentially jeopardizing the safety and security of not only our truck drivers, but of all travelers.”
According to the NYSDOT, the agency said it will save $500,000 this fiscal year and $1 million annually in subsequent years through rest area closures.
Mike Joyce, director of legislative affairs for OOIDA, said the state DOT’s cost-benefit analysis just doesn’t make sense because they are still going to have maintenance expenses. Joyce cited examples such as expenses to keep the lights and heat so the pipes don’t freeze, and the cost to continue plowing the sites.
“I just don’t think the savings they are anticipating is going to be there,” Joyce said. “We are going to continue pressing the state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration and Congress to come up with a financial strategy to address this critical need for truck parking.”
Copyright © 2010 OOIDA
As states like New York continue to struggle with ongoing financial challenges, the New York State Department of Transportation’s deadline of Dec. 1 for closing another four rest areas is drawing near.
On Monday, Nov. 22, the trucking community met with NYSDOT officials to discuss the safety concerns they have with closing these sites, which provide critical parking to both truckers and motorists traveling through the state.
A familiar name at the meeting was Hope Rivenburg, whose husband, Jason, was killed after he was forced to park his rig in an unlit area and was murdered for the $7 in cash he had on him.
She has also been instrumental in organizing protests at two of the rest areas to be closed.
OOIDA Life Member Lou Esposito of Duanesburg, NY, also attended the meeting with state DOT officials. He pointed out that closing the rest areas is a serious safety concern.
“Where are all of these trucks supposed to park? Nobody wants to come to New York anyway because of the taxes, and now we are going to further cut what little truck parking we have in this state,” Esposito said.
In addition to being a safety issue, Esposito said it’s an economic issue in the state as well.
“None of these distribution centers or facilities will allow you in before your appointment time,” he said. “They all have signs posted ‘no overnight parking’ allowed. We think we have problems now. Just wait until it starts costing the shipping and receiving community more money to bring freight into the area because we’re not truck-friendly, then that’s really going to hurt this state.”
Kendra Adams, executive director of the New York State Motor Truck Association, said she understands that the NYSDOT is under financial constraints that prevent them from changing their position on the temporary closure of six rest areas. But the fight is not over to reopen them in the near future.
“We will need to work with Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo and his staff to encourage the reopening of these areas,” Adams told Land Line. “The NYSMTA certainly understands the budget issues facing New York, but we find it unacceptable that the state would choose to find savings by potentially jeopardizing the safety and security of not only our truck drivers, but of all travelers.”
According to the NYSDOT, the agency said it will save $500,000 this fiscal year and $1 million annually in subsequent years through rest area closures.
Mike Joyce, director of legislative affairs for OOIDA, said the state DOT’s cost-benefit analysis just doesn’t make sense because they are still going to have maintenance expenses. Joyce cited examples such as expenses to keep the lights and heat so the pipes don’t freeze, and the cost to continue plowing the sites.
“I just don’t think the savings they are anticipating is going to be there,” Joyce said. “We are going to continue pressing the state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration and Congress to come up with a financial strategy to address this critical need for truck parking.”
Copyright © 2010 OOIDA
1 comments:
I have used the services of Park Right car parking.They are offering professional chauffeurs to drive your car at a surprisingly affordable hourly fee plus gratuity. They’ll take you shopping; to the theater; to the airport; your children to school; doctor’s appointments, and more. All in the comfort, security and convenience of your own car, or if you prefer, they will refer you to our sister company to be driven in one of their luxury limousines, sedans, Overnight Truck Parking, vans or SUV’s.
Post a Comment
Thanks for sharing with us!