Next step taken in building new road

EVANS MILLS — While there has been no official decision made, it appears that the next step has been taken in making the Fort Drum connector road a reality.

The state Department of Transportation has written four letters asking for support in advance of seeking interstate designation for the long-awaited project.

The letters were sent out recently to the town of Pamelia, town of LeRay, city of Watertown and Jefferson County by DOT. The letters identified the new connector road as Interstate 781 and chose what has been referred to as the northern alternative route. It would create a new exit one mile north of exit 48 on Interstate 81.

"The road would help with truck traffic, and it would be a major four-lane highway," said Steven. T. Harter, the clerk to the supervisor of LeRay.

The road would be five miles and go over Route 37 and Goulds Corners Road. It would create a direct route from I-81 to the north gate of Fort Drum and be accessible only at its termini.

The project has not been approved by the state yet, but the letters sent to the towns are a sign that DOT is trying to move forward. The concept for a connecting road began eight years ago. The official decision and design approval are expected to happen later this year.

"We are trying to get interstate designation. It would be in the best interest to be designated by the federal highway system," DOT spokesman Michael R. Flick said. "And we are asking for support to make sure the locals are on board."

The state also has bought a plot of land on Goulds Corners Road in Evans Mills from Kenneth R. and Kyleanna T. Straits. The land sold for $294,000 and is the first land acquired in advance of the project, which was done under a hardship acquisition clause by law. The Straits, who are in the middle of moving to Fort Rucker, Ala., were in a predicament because delays in the project were making it impossible for the family to move and purchase a new house. Now that the state has bought their property, they can move and the state can begin the plan approval process.