SLATER SELECTED TO SERVE ON REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STEERING COMMITTEE

Assemblyman will help guide study of Routes 6, 35, 118 and 202 while pushing to expand review toward Mahopac

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has been selected by Putnam County to serve on the Project Steering Committee for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council’s (NYMTC) Northern Westchester East-West Corridors Study, giving the 94th Assembly District a direct voice in a regional planning effort focused on some of the area’s most heavily traveled state roads.

The study is examining transportation needs along the Route 35 corridor, including Routes 202, 35 and 118 through the Four Corners intersection in Yorktown. In June, Slater wrote to NYMTC requesting that the study take a broader regional approach by examining additional connections that impact residents throughout northern Westchester and southern Putnam counties. 

In its August 7 response, NYMTC agreed that the transportation network functions as an interconnected regional system. NYMTC also called Slater’s request to extend the study south along Route 118 from Four Corners to Underhill Avenue a “reasonable enhancement” and said it will work with its consultant team to determine whether the Route 6 analysis can be extended east from Baldwin Place toward Mahopac. 

“Anyone who drives these roads knows we need to do better,” said Slater. “Routes 6, 35, 118 and 202 are not isolated roads. They are an interconnected network that our residents use every day to get to work, bring their children to school and move throughout our communities. That is why I pushed for this study to take a broader regional approach, and I am pleased NYMTC recognizes the need to do so.”

Slater said his objective on the Steering Committee will be to ensure the study produces actionable recommendations that can help secure future state transportation investments.

“I don't want another study that sits on a shelf,” Slater said. “Our goal needs to be a prioritized list of real projects that improve safety, reduce congestion and fix our state roads. We have already secured millions in state funding for improvements to state corridors throughout the 94th Assembly District. Now we need to use this process to build the case for the next round of investments throughout northern Westchester and Putnam counties as New York develops its next five-year transportation capital plan.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, who was appointed co-chair of NYMTC earlier this year, applauded Slater’s selection to the Steering Committee.

“As co-chair of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is that Putnam County has a strong voice when regional transportation priorities and future investments are being discussed,” said Byrne. “Transportation challenges don’t stop at municipal or county lines, and Assemblyman Slater understands that. Matt has been a tremendous partner in advocating for improvements to our state roads, and I’m pleased he’ll be representing Putnam County on this Steering Committee as we work together to advance practical solutions that improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen mobility throughout our region.”

NYMTC specifically stated that one of its objectives is to build upon previous transportation and traffic analyses completed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and local municipalities so the new study can focus on “practical, implementable recommendations” rather than duplicating previous work. Slater has also advocated for NYMTC to incorporate previous local planning efforts, including the mini-master plan associated with the Weyant development in Yorktown, into the study.

Putnam County selected Slater as its representative on the Project Steering Committee. NYMTC has also invited Slater to participate on the Project Advisory Committee, citing his experience representing the district as well as his background in local government and transportation issues. 

“Fixing our roads has been one of my top priorities, and this gives us another seat at the table where future transportation investments are being planned,” Slater said. “I intend to use it.”