Senator Young Dedicates Highway To Honor Local Veterans

Legislation passed by the Senate will designate portions of State Route 15A in Livingston County to honor local veterans

ALBANY – Paying tribute to veterans in Livingston County, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) passed legislation this week that will designate portions of State Route 15A as the Springwater Veterans Memorial Highway and the Livonia Veterans Memorial Highway.

This nearly nine mile stretch of the highway will now serve as a salute to American service members, past and present, hailing from the Towns of Springwater and Livonia and remind travelers of the sacrifices made on their behalf.

“Our heroic veterans have given so much for us and we owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude,” said Senator Young. “By designating this portion of highway, we are giving thanks for all of our veterans’ sacrifice, commitment and selflessness in service to our state and nation. Every day, thousands of motorist, bicyclist and pedestrians will travel down this stretch of highway and be reminded of the sacrifice made by veterans, past and present.

“So many of our young service members come home physically or psychologically wounded, bearing the physical and emotional scars from their service. Many have given their lives so that we may live free. State Route 15A will now serve as a way for us, as citizens of this great state and nation, to say thank you.”

Early in this Legislative Session, Senator Young made it a priority to ensure the passage of the “Homes for Heroes” program, which will establish a fund to assist New York State’s veteran population so that they are able to live safely, comfortably and productively in the setting of their choice.

Under the program, grants are provided for not-for-profits and municipalities to help retrofit homes for disabled veterans.

Service members are coming home with missing limbs, traumatic brain injuries, or other physical disabilities. Other veterans are facing challenges because of the aging process. The Homes for Heroes program will help these brave Americans afford physical changes to their residences, such as wheel chair ramps, wider doors, and accessible bathrooms.