$1T Infrastructure Bill Strengthens Local Hiring Rules for Projects like I-81 in Syracuse

Posted On
August 17, 2021

Image
Uxgoo3k7zved7hpbnluycm4qne

Syracuse, N.Y. – The $1 trillion infrastructure bill making its way through Congress contains a key provision that will ensure local residents will get some of the jobs needed to tear down Interstate 81, according to New York’s senators.

The bill, which passed the Senate last week, will make permanent a provision that allows governments to require contractors to staff transportation projects with a certain amount of local workers, according to staff from Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand offices.

 
“This program will enable New York state and localities to work with labor unions and community leaders to ensure job opportunities and contracts on federally funded transportation projects, including I-81′s transformation in Syracuse, are available for local residents,” Schumer said in a statement.
 
......
 

New York has already put $1 million into job training in anticipation of the workers that will be needed. Two people were hired this summer to coordinate that effort. A paid job training program started this summer with 20 slots. Four hundred people applied, city officials said.

“While this is a huge transportation project and huge investment in this community, it can really be transformative on a number of levels,” said Kevin Schwab of CenterState CEO, the business advocacy group that is conducting the paid job training program.

Not only will removing I-81 change the area’s traffic patterns and skyline. That massive investment can expand local businesses and create new careers for many, including people who don’t always get government construction jobs.

“They can be part of rebuilding this future of Syracuse,” he said. “It only increases the long-term impact and value of a project like this.”

Read the full article on syracuse.com, here.

Other
Media Coverage

Image
ON-RAMP Syracuse building
Media Coverage | 07/15/2025

Dr. Carlene Lacey Will Lead ON-RAMP Syracuse

Dr. Carlene Lacey will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP Syracuse.

Image
Gov Hochul Nuclear Power Annoucement 6.23.25
Media Coverage | 06/23/2025

Gov. Hochul Directs Power Authority to Develop a New Nuclear Facility in Upstate NY

Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary…

Image
Aimee Durfee share insights into workforce opportunity and challenges at first NY Workforce Connect
Media Coverage | 06/11/2025

CenterState CEO's Aimee Durfee, Regional Workforce Partners Share Insights at NY Workforce Connect

CenterState CEO Vice President of Workforce Innovation Aimee Durfee joined other regional workforce development partners at the first NY Workforce Connect Conference.

Image
Pathways to Apprenticeship Cohort 8 Graduation
Media Coverage | 06/05/2025

CenterState CEO Workforce Innovation Efforts Featured on Syracuse.com

CenterState CEO's Aimee Durfee spoke with Syracuse.com about the organization's ongoing efforts to train Central New York residents for the career opportunities currently available and those on the horizon.

Image
INSPYRE Innovation Hub Ask Why, Explore How
Media Coverage | 04/23/2025

See CenterState CEO's Expanded Business Incubator: INSPYRE Innovation Hub

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson shared the facility will be called INSPYRE Innovation Hub at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

Image
Innovation Hub Rendering
Media Coverage | 04/16/2025

See Inside CenterState CEO's New Innovation Hub

Syracuse.com tours CenterState CEO's new Innovation Hub.

Image
John Liddy for Leadership Lessons
Media Coverage | 04/16/2025

CenterState CEO's John Liddy Shares Leadership Lessons with Syracuse.com

John Liddy sits down with Marie Morelli for Syracuse.com's Conversations of Leadership series.

Image
Honora Spillane on Spectrum 1
Media Coverage | 04/09/2025

CenterState CEO's Nora Spillane Shares Economic Development Updates on In Focus

CenterState CEO's senior vice president of Inclusive Growth Nora Spillane joined JoDee Kenney for the Spectrum News 1's In Focus program.

Image
Gov Hochul Banner
Media Coverage | 03/28/2025

New York's First ON-RAMP Location Will Be On Syracuse's Southside

The flagship Hub will anchor a broader revitalization of the site and will serve as a critical gateway for both job seekers and manufacturing and construction firms.