TRIBAL COUNCIL OPPOSED TO
TRAFFIC CONFIGURATION PLANS AT MASSENA PORT OF ENTRY
Calls for Public Hearings at Akwesasne to
Address Local Impact

AKWESASNE , NY —The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council sent a letter to New York Governor George Pataki on November 14^th opposing the State Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed traffic configuration at the U.S. Land Port of Entry in Rooseveltown , New York . The Tribal Council requested the Governor to direct the DOT to conduct public hearings at the Akwesasne community to hear local concerns.

Tribal Chief Barbara A. Lazore said, “The Mohawks of Akwesasne are the major users of the International Bridge crossing at the Massena Port of Entry.” Chief Lazore added, “We’re asking the Governor to instruct the NYS Department of Transportation to hold a meeting at Akwesasne and consider the needs of our community.”

Plans are being finalized that call for the elimination of the existing traffic circle and placing a new entry point for the border crossing further away from the reservation. The new configuration is part of the reconstruction plans for the Customs and Immigration facility at the same location. Work on the facility is being overseen by the General Services Administration (GSA), while traffic modifications will be done by the DOT.

The Tribal Council voiced their concern that the proposed traffic reconfiguration increases the distance and complexity for travelers to the Akwesasne community. Tribal Council also stated that Akwesasne Mohawks were not properly consulted despite being the most affected community by the proposed reconfiguration.

Tribal Chief Lorraine M. White said, “The proposed plans will have a large impact on Akwesasne and will change the way community members go about their daily lives.” Chief White added, “The Tribe is asking the DOT to do everything it can to prevent any disruption to our family’s lives and our businesses.”

Akwesasne Mohawks are the primary users of the border crossing with approximately 70 percent being local residents. The proposed plan would redirect the flow of traffic to a new entrance located a half-mile away from its existing point. It would increase the response time for emergency services and distance for the typical Akwesasne resident that travels across the border several times a day.

The bridge crossing is a vital link for Akwesasne residents on both sides of the border. It is continuously used by organizations that provide essential services to the entire Akwesasne community, such as the Akwesasne-Hogansburg Volunteer Fire Department, Mohawk Council Ambulance Unit, and local law enforcement agencies. Increasing the distance could threaten the lives of many community members.

The Akwesasne community is bisected by an international border, with parts located in New York State and the Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario . The border requires Akwesasne residents that live on the Canadian-side to travel through the Massena Port of Entry to access other portions of the community that are also located in Canada . Relocating the bridge entrance would increase resident’s travel time to work or school, as well as for Canadian patrons to shop at Akwesasne businesses or gamble at the casinos.

On September 24^th, the GSA’s Project Management Team held a meeting in Syracuse , New York to discuss its plans and to hear the concerns of local groups from surrounding communities. Tribal representatives attended and voiced their concern that the Akwesasne community was not consulted during the planning stages. A meeting was requested at Akwesasne to hear the concerns of local residents, but none has been held.

Tribal Chief James W. Ransom said, “The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and the GSA have since proposed a second entrance to the bridge crossing, but it was rejected by the DOT.” Chief Ransom added, “The Tribe urges the DOT to consider another option to relocating the entrance to the Port of Entry that won’t adversely impact Akwesasne Mohawks.”

In the letter, the Tribal Council asked Governor Pataki to intervene and direct the State DOT to conduct a public hearing at Akwesasne to discuss the local impact. It will provide an opportunity for local residents to voice their concerns and for the DOT to possibly consider alternative plans.

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