Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Apr. 2 the opening of a community outreach center dedicated to the project aimed at reimagining the Interstate 787 corridor in downtown Albany. The new center, located at 125 State Street, will act as a central point for public engagement as the New York State Department of Transportation advances efforts to address aging infrastructure and reconnect downtown Albany with the Hudson River waterfront.
Hochul said, “Reimagining the I-787 corridor is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of downtown Albany, so it is imperative that the people who live and work in the area have a major voice in how this project progresses. This new community outreach center will make it easier for area residents and business owners to learn about the project and provide the feedback we need to make this project a success for everyone.”
The Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The local community has been and will always be our most important partner as we work to fulfill Governor Hochul’s vision to reconnect downtown Albany and surrounding communities with the Hudson River waterfront and transform our state capital. This new outreach center is a demonstration of our commitment to work with the community to keep them informed, answer questions and collect feedback and ideas as we advance the environmental review process for this project.”
Constructed in the 1960s, I-787 runs parallel to the Hudson River but has separated downtown from its waterfront for decades. The state is currently conducting an environmental review that will consider options from I-87 through I-90 in Albany, including improvements around Dunn Memorial Bridge into Rensselaer. Governor Hochul secured up to $40 million in funding from this year’s budget for an environmental impact statement building on last year’s Planning and Environmental Linkages Study.
The investment forms part of Hochul’s larger $400 million initiative known as Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP), which includes funds targeted at revitalizing commercial corridors, supporting small businesses, promoting housing growth, transforming underutilized real estate spaces, upgrading public safety measures, and renovating cultural institutions like museums.
Local officials voiced support for both increased public involvement through this new space and continued investment into reconnecting neighborhoods divided by past infrastructure decisions. Senator Patricia Fahy said that what began years ago “is now poised to change the face of Albany,” while Assemblymember John McDonald III encouraged residents “to take advantage of this space.” City leaders echoed these sentiments about ensuring local voices guide future development.
The Reimagine I-787 Outreach Center will operate five days per week with staff available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., inviting residents or business owners interested in shaping plans or learning more about next steps.
