Where Did Money Go For Front Street Gateway Project?

7/12/2012 (Updated 9:45:47 PM)

A difference of opinion over how Binghamton lost state and federal funding to upgrade the intersection of Front and Clinton streets.

The project would have upgraded two railroad bridges where trucks keep getting stuck.

Mayor Matt Ryan says the state DOT swayed the BMTS, a federally designated planning agency to divert the money to other projects.

The head of the BMTS, says there was a finite amount of money for all of the projects the city wanted.

She adds that back in 2010, the group, which includes Ryan, came up with the list of projects for federal approval.

"Planning goes on and we bought property to make it happen and then all of a sudden they come in and said we need the money for bridges and roads," said Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan.

The head of the BMTS also says the group decided, with the city's concurrence, that it would take money from the Front, and Clinton intersection upgrade and direct it to other projects including the Court Street Gateway Project downtown.

That is slated to be complete in November.


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