Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is touting a project that would cover a section of the Kensington Expressway, now Martin Luther King, Jr. Park while providing needed jobs for the Buffalo neighborhood.

Get our free mobile app

Sen. Gillibrand says the proposed $1 trillion infrastructure package would include a "hire local" program, according to a story aired on WIVB-TV.

What the Senator refers to as a "build local, hire local" program is designed to provide jobs for workers in disadvantaged neighborhoods when a highway project is planned for that area.

The infrastructure bill proposal has about half the spending that the Biden administration originally proposed but there are still projects included that would benefit our region.

When it comes to the Kensington Expressway, the Restore Our Community Coalition, a group whose goal is to restore the Humboldt Parkway Community from decades of decay and economic decline due to the construction of the Kensington Expressway by constructing a deck over Route 33.

The project would not be without considerable expense, but according to Senator Gillibrand

“These investments in equity and sustainability will save us money in the long run and create good jobs in the process,” Sen. Gillibrand said.

While the infrastructure bill has already passed the Senate, it faces an uphill climb in the house.

Transportation officials from New York State have begun an environmental impact study which is required before planning can even begin.

Neighborhood organizers say that covering the Route 33 Expressway would allow the Humboldt Park section to heal and mend itself ...

25 Ways To Annoy A Western New Yorker In 5 Words Or Less

Gallery Credit: Brett Alan

12 Roads Western New Yorkers Want Fixed RIGHT NOW!

We all know there are some pretty bad roads in Western New York. Here are 12 of them that you said should be fixed ASAP.

Gallery Credit: Dave Fields

15 Things That Will Convince Anyone You're a Western New York Native

Buffalonians have a way of spotting one another even across great distances, like the time I ran into a couple from Alden while in line for an empanada in Key West. But what about if you're new here? Is there a learning curve to being part of the City of Good Neighbors?

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden

More From The New 96.1 WTSS