Marie Therese Dominguez (State Department of Transportation Commissioner), who was with Hochul, stated that the Federal Highway Administration could expedite the project in a manner similar to what Gov. Andrew was on track for the Skyway project. This reduced the timeframe from three to four years to just two years.
Dominguez stated that “we are working with our federal counterparts right now to determine exactly how we can speed up the environmental review process forward so quickly.” “Obviously, the governor’s announcement will go some way towards helping me do that.”
The State Department of Transportation completed studies on the Kensington Expressway in 2012, and again in 2019. Joseph Morrissey, a spokesperson at the state DOT, stated that the new assessment will examine the impact on the environment, community, and other aspects of such a project.
The scoping report, which is expected to include a public meeting during the spring, will also evaluate various decking options and costs. It is expected that it will be completed by the end the summer.
Proponents argue that multiple streets will be reconnected, residents of the area would feel better, and there would be a beautiful parkway to encourage people to move there and allow commercial districts to grow.