Area Attributes
Business Development
Community Planning
Demographics
Education & Training
Environmental Review
Financial Incentives
Industrial Park
Major Employers
Property Disposal Guidelines
Public Authorities
Quality of Life
Transportation
Utilities

Current Activities
Contact Us
Links
File Cabinet
Main Page

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pennsylvania - New York State Joint Projects
One of the most attractive features of the Southern Tier is its proximity to major New York urban areas, and location as a crossroads between Canada, New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Major ground transportation is provided by the North-South I-81, I-390 and Route 15 which is being upgraded to I-99, and by East-West Route 17, which is currently being upgraded to I-86. These Interstates cross the New York State Thruway (near Erie PA, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany) and I-80 (near Williamsport PA). The updated intersection of these two new interstates will occur just outside of Corning.

Interstate 86
Interstate 86 is the new designation for the former NYS Route 17, which is also known as the Southern Tier Expressway. This Expressway links many cities together across the state, including Binghamton, Elmira, Corning, Hornell, Olean, and Jamestown. To the west, the Southern Tier Expressway reaches Erie PA, where it joins I-90, the Thruway. To the east, it offers easy access to New York City and major New England cities. Upgrades are being performed on the highway to make it acceptable for Interstate standards. These upgrades are anticipated to be completed by 2012. Three Rivers Development Corporation has joined forces with other community leaders to secure construction fund for major transportation improvements. These improvement are the foundation for future growth, will be key areas for new investment, and make transporation a competitive advantage for area firms. In 2003 the new I-86/Route 15 interchange starts construction.

Interstate 99
Interstate 99 is the new upgraded designation for US 15, which is a main North-South route in Pennsylvania. This highway is also known as the Appalachian Thruway and the Bud Shuster Byway. It is currently designated to terminate at its intersection with Interstate 86 just outside of Corning. However, some plans call for I-99 to overlap with Interstate 390 and extend north through Rochester.

Interstate 390
This highway runs North-South from Avoca NY in Steuben County to Rochester and Lake Ontario in Monroe County. Some plans have Interstate 99 overtaking 390, extending that highway from Pennsylvania through to the Lake.

Map of Transportation Networks in New York State
The major highways of New York State are set up as a grid, two major east-west highways (Route 17/Interstate 86 and I-90/NYS Thruway), and several major north-south highways (I-90/Thruway in its eastern- and western-most portions, I-390, and I-81). Many smaller and scenic roads exist, and are enjoyable for afternoon cruises or scenic trips when speed to your destination is less critical.

Elmira-Corning Regional Airport
This centrally located airport is serviced by US Airways and Northwest Airlines, as well as charter services. It has an average of 164 departures and arrivals per day. Approximately 70% of its operations are general aviation, with another 25% made of commuters.

Hornell Municipal Airport
This facility, located in western Steuben County, is serviced by Sterling Airways and charter services. Approximately 90% of its operations are general aviation, and it averages 54 departures and arrivals per day.

Air Charter Services
Many of the regions smaller airports are serviced by charter services, which provide business professionals the advantage of traveling locally as opposed to driving to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Rochester International Airport (ROC) or Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).

NYS Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation is active in the Southern Tier, which it designates as Region 6 of the state. This region encompasses Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Yates Counties.

Public Transportation
An excellent advantage to the Southern Tier is the relatively close commute for many residents. Although parking and highway traffic are rarely problems, the Southern Tier does offer several public transportation options. Among these options are the Chemung County Transit System and the Corning-Erwin Area Transit System in New York, and the Endless Mountain Transportation Authority in Pennsylvania. These three systems provide bus transport to and from numerous towns, events, and attractions for a nominal fee. The region is also serviced by the Greyhound, Short Line and Capitol Trailways bus transportation systems.