The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council welcomed Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Tribal Government Affairs, to build a partnership focused on improving transportation infrastructure in Akwesasne.
The Tribal Council and Colleen Thomas, on behalf of Planning and Infrastructure, assessed road conditions in the southern part of Akwesasne. Assistant Secretary Arlando Teller listened to the tribe’s concerns and visited sites in need of repairs.
Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up and receive our reporting directly to your inbox every weekday morning.
The Akwesasne community experiences a significant amount of traffic from local, international and domestic travelers passing through the area. High traffic volumes combined with winters in the north of the country lead to significant deterioration of local roads. That’s why the tribe is rebuilding a working relationship with the NYS Department of Transportation to address areas of concern.
The Tribe is grateful for Assistant Secretary Teller’s time and suggestions for possible pathways that could provide much-needed support to the Tribe’s road program. Assistant Secretary Teller’s personal tour included Cook Road, McGee Road, the Frogtown Road intersection, Drum Street and Raquette Point Road.
“A’hee’hee nii’tsago (sincere thanks) for the wonderful hospitality of St. Regis Mohawk Leadership. My visit to your country is a testament to continued efforts to improve transportation connectivity through partnership and collaboration,” said Teller. “Your Planning and Infrastructure team is made up of dedicated professionals who dedicate their time to safely transporting community members and the traveling public.”
The Tribal Council is hopeful that positive changes will come from this meeting and looks forward to the next visit from representatives of the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as the New York State Deputy Secretary for First Nations and the Deputy Secretary for Transportation of Governor Hochul to review the tribe’s transportation needs. The Tribal Council remains committed to protecting the safety of community members and visitors traveling through Akwesasne Territory.
About the Author: “Native News Online is one of the most widely read publications covering Indian Country and the news important to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Native peoples. Contact us at editor@nativenewsonline.net.”
Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
