New York Construction Report staff writer
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has won top honors in the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Video Competition. The award was given for a video highlighting the I-81 Viaduct Project’s Local Hire Initiative, which has created significant job opportunities for residents of Syracuse and the Onondaga Nation.
Named the Outstanding Video in the State DOT Category, the project shone a light on NYSDOT’s efforts to ensure that communities impacted by the original construction of the I-81 viaduct are now directly benefiting from its removal and redevelopment.
The initiative, one of the first programs of its kind under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, prioritizes local hires for the construction and redevelopment work on the I-81 Viaduct. It specifically targets residents from zip codes in Syracuse and Onondaga Nation Territory, offering a pathway from training to employment on the multi-billion dollar project.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez says the project addressed the long-standing economic disparities caused by the original construction of the I-81 viaduct in the 1950s. The structure physically and economically divided the city, displacing communities like the 15th Ward, which continues to face challenges to this day.
“As we work now to take down the I-81 viaduct and reconnect the community in Syracuse, creating job opportunities for members of the community once left behind is at the forefront of our efforts at NYSDOT,” said Dominguez. “This video beautifully highlights the positive impact our local hire program is having on residents whose lives were shaped by the original construction of the viaduct. It’s about giving them a stake in the future prosperity of their community.”
The I-81 Local Hire Initiative is part of the broader I-81 Viaduct Project, which is poised to reshape Syracuse and improve regional transportation infrastructure. The project is funded by a combination of federal and state resources and is integral to Governor Hochul’s vision for modernizing New York’s infrastructure and promoting economic equity across the state.
In partnership with local organizations, including the Urban Jobs Task Force, Syracuse Build, Pathways to Apprenticeship, and others, NYSDOT is helping to train, hire, and retain local workers through the WorkSmartNY Syracuse Build Collaborative. Contractors involved in the project are also incentivized to hire residents from the affected communities.
The I-81 Viaduct Project is part of a broader plan to modernize infrastructure across the state and promote inclusive growth that benefits all New Yorkers. The NYSDOT Capital Plan, adopted in 2022, supports these efforts with a $33 billion investment aimed at improving transportation systems and fostering connectivity, equity, and job creation statewide.
The TRB’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Video Competition, which recognizes efforts to promote inclusive work environments in transportation, applauded NYSDOT for its creative and impactful approach to workforce development.
“The video not only highlights the incredible impact of the Local Hire Initiative but also exemplifies the power of inclusive storytelling,” said TRB Executive Director Victoria Sheehan. “NYSDOT’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion serves as a model for others in the transportation sector.”
