Stachowski Bill to Rename Route 62 the “National Veterans Highway” Passes Senate

       The New York State Senate has passed legislation (S.6277-A) sponsored by Senator William T. Stachowski (D, Lake View) that would designate a portion of U.S. Route 62 as the "National Veteran's Highway." 

        “We can never fully express the appreciation we feel for these brave men and women, their valiant efforts, dedication, and the sacrifices they made for this great nation,” said Senator Stachowski.  “They gave this country the best years of their lives and they deserve to be honored in every possible way.  This small act attempts to show just a part of our respect and appreciation for our veterans in Erie County and throughout New York State, and recognizes our servicemen and women who continue to risk their lives for all of us both at home and abroad.”

        U.S. Route 62 runs from the US-Mexico border at El Paso, Texas to Niagara Falls, New York.  It is the only east-west U.S. route that connects Mexico and Canada, and while most of it is an east–west route, it runs in a north–south direction in Pennsylvania and New York.  U.S. 62 enters New York State from Pennsylvania in Chautauqua County, south of Frewsburg.  Following a northeasterly course, it enters Cattaraugus County, crosses Cattaraugus Creek to enter Erie County and passes through the Village of Gowanda, taking a more northerly direction.  At the Village of Hamburg, U.S. 62 turns northeast, crossing the New York State Thruway, continues northward through Lackawanna as South Park Avenue and passes through Buffalo as South Park Avenue and then Bailey Avenue.  It briefly overlaps New York State Route 324 (Sheridan Drive) in the town of Amherst, and turns northward as Niagara Falls Boulevard, intersects Interstate 290, then exits Erie County and enters Niagara County.

        The bill will be sent to the Governor.