Albany, N.Y., June 18—The New York State Legislature has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) to designate a portion of State Route 14A between the town of Reading in Schuyler County and the village of Dundee in Yates County as the “Christopher J. Scott Memorial Highway.”

The designation honors the memory and pays tribute to the life and service of United States Army Specialist Christopher J. Scott of Dundee, who was killed on September 3, 2011 while serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “Christopher made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country. He stood courageously in defense of our freedoms and we’re proud to help remember Christopher’s life and pay tribute to his service. The designation of the ‘Christopher J. Scott Memorial Highway’ is one additional way for the community of Dundee, the residents of Schuyler and Yates counties, and our state and nation to establish an enduring honor in Christopher’s memory. It’s one more way to express our gratitude and respect for his service.”

Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning), who with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is sponsoring legislation to rename the Tyrone Post Office in Scott’s honor, said, “Dedicating a memorial highway to Specialist Christopher Scott is another way for us to remember his bravery and sacrifice. Any way we can honor his legacy in our local community is something we will wholeheartedly support, and thanks to Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano, we have another way to remember this hero.”

Scott graduated from Dundee Central School in 2009 and began service in the Army. He was assigned to units including the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion and the 101st Sustainment Brigade. While serving in the Army, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Posthumously, Scott was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

O’Mara and Palmesano said that the portion of State Route 14A between the town of Reading in Schuyler County and the village of Dundee will receive the designation -- a 9.5 mile stretch of road which begins at the south end of State Route 14A where it branches off from State Route 14 and ends at the northern village limits of Dundee, nearby Hillside Cemetery where Scott is buried. It follows a portion of the route of the procession which brought the soldier to his final resting place in September 2011.

O’Mara and Palmesano sponsored the legislation (S.3725/A.5418) at the request of town officials, community residents and local veterans.

The O’Mara-Palmesano legislation now goes to Governor Andrew Cuomo to be signed into law.