To the editor:

As DeWitt Town Councilor Kerry Mannion stated recently: “The time has come for the citizens of Central New York to have their voices heard.”

In 2014, during the early phases of discussion surrounding the future of Interstate 81, towns across Onondaga and Cayuga counties passed resolutions against the removal of I-81. Our position on this critical issue and our resolutions remain the same. The people of Central New York have spoken. The county legislatures of Onondaga and Cayuga counties have spoken, and our towns have spoken.

This letter is to remind the public and the New York State Department of Transportation of our united consensus: I-81 must remain an interstate highway traveling in its present corridor through Syracuse, or there will be devastating results for all of Central New York.

The towns and officials listed herein unanimously and unequivocally object to any plan to change the alignment or destination of the existing Interstate 81 through its present corridor in Syracuse and Central New York. Any change from this alignment will have a destructive impact on our economy and community.

The interstate must remain and its function and designation as an interstate highway must not be removed or impaired.

We call on residents of Onondaga and Cayuga counties to contact state and federal officials to advise them of your position. The future of I-81 presents one of the greatest planning decisions of our time. It will affect property values, and the health, safety and economic vitality of Central New York forever. Please act, and do not take this decision lightly.

Mark Nicotra

Supervisor, Town of Salina

Edward Wagner

Supervisor, Town of Owasco

James Lanning

Supervisor, Town of Skaneateles

Emanuele Falcone

Supervisor, Town of Geddes

Mark Venesky

Supervisor, Town of Cicero

Mary Ann Coogan

Supervisor, Town of Camillus

Damian Ulatowski

Supervisor, Town of Clay

Edward M. Michalenko

Supervisor, Town of DeWitt

Kerry Mannion

Member, DeWitt Town Board