Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that the transportation budget (A.9705-D/S.6605-C) passed by both the Assembly (82-51) and state Senate (32-29) will restore funding to the Gateway Information Center, allowing it to remain open and contribute to the state’s tourism industry. Lupardo voted for the bill.

The governor’s budget proposal completely eliminated the $196,000 in funding for the operation of the facility. Lupardo, a member of the Transportation Committee, was successful in securing a 75 percent restoration ($147,000) of those funds in the Assembly’s non-binding budget resolution adopted in March. The partial restoration she advocated for was ultimately included in a final transportation budget agreed to by Governor Paterson, the state Senate and Assembly.

“It was very important that we keep the Gateway Information Center open,” said Lupardo. “Closing it would have sent the wrong message to travelers: that New York is closed for business. It is critical that we continue supporting tourism, which plays a vital role in our state’s economy. ”

“I would like to extend my appreciation to Assemblywoman Lupardo for all of her hard work to maintain funding for the Gateway Center,” said Lou Santoni, President of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. “Since 1995, the Gateway has been an essential tool in providing tourism information for people visiting Greater Binghamton. On an annual basis, our travel advisors work with more than 350,000 people and distribute more than 750,000 brochures on all 62 counties in the state. This not only provides a boost for tourism across the state, but is a valuable economic development tool. Assemblywoman Lupardo recognized that a vacant Gateway Center would have sent the wrong message to tourists and potential investors in our community. I again applaud her for successfully conveying this message to her colleagues in Albany.”

The Gateway Information Center, located on Interstate 81, opened its doors on August 22, 1995. The facility is staffed by one full time director and two full time trained travel advisors, with four part time travel advisors as well. The staff provides travelers with information and personal trip planning assistance for attractions and accommodations in all 62 counties.