[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM DESIGNATION ACT--CONFERENCE REPORT

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, November 18, 1995

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank you for your willingness 
to work with Ms. Molinari, Mr. Towns, and myself on the crisis 
surrounding the Gowanus Expressway. This legislation will begin to 
address the devastating effects that this project will have on the 
community.
  While the proposed reconstruction of the Gowanus Expressway is one of 
the costliest highway projects in the State's history and will 
profoundly shape both west Brooklyn and regional transportation for 
decades to come, its planning and environmental review to date have 
been inadequate. The bill encourages the State to take a comprehensive 
new look at the project. This guarantees that the total cost and 
benefits of both the State's plan and other proposals effecting the 
surrounding communities and the region as a whole will be examined.
  The provisions require that the State of New York mitigate the 
economic and social impacts this project will have on the neighboring 
communities. Congress has clarified this with accompanying report 
language that instructs the State to minimize long-term impairment of 
local businesses, appoint a community engineer, and undertake traffic 
calming studies.
  As the State moves forward with reconstruction of the Gowanus 
Expressway, it must hold to a minimum the harmful effects to 
businesses, housing, quality of life, and maintain the citizens' 
ability of movement with their communities. I am especially concerned 
that steps are taken to protect the welfare of children, the aged and 
others vulnerable to the effects of heavy traffic, air, and noise 
pollution.
  While there is still much that must be done before the Gowanus 
Expressway rehabilitation adequately protects the community, adopting 
this language is the first stop in insuring that this project is 
completed in an efficient manner, and with the safety and best interest 
of the surrounding community in mind.

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