Governor Hochul Announces Opening of Community Outreach Center for Project to Reimagine I-787 Corridor in Albany

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of a dedicated community outreach center for the project to reimagine the Interstate 787 corridor in downtown Albany. Located at 125 State Street in Albany, the outreach center will serve as a central hub for public engagement as the State Department of Transportation progresses this transformative project to address the area's aging infrastructure and reconnect Albany's downtown with the Hudson River waterfront. The center will provide a one-stop location for all interested stakeholders to review conceptual designs, interact with the project team, submit feedback and receive the latest updates.

"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," Governor Hochul said. "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."

New York State 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 and for decades has effectively cut off downtown Albany from the Hudson River waterfront. The State Department of Transportation is advancing the environmental review process that will evaluate options for a future project to reimagine the I-787 corridor from I-87 to I-90 in the City of Albany, and the Dunn Memorial Bridge crossing into the City of Rensselaer.

Governor Hochul secured up to $40 million in the FY26 Enacted Budget to begin an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will build on the findings of a Planning and Environmental Linkages Study released last year.

This investment is a key part of Governor Hochul's historic $400 million investment into Downtown Albany. The Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) initiative, first introduced in the Governor's 2025 State of the State, includes $200 million to plan and implement projects that reinvigorate commercial corridors, strengthen small businesses, promote housing growth, and revitalize underutilized real estate and open spaces. The CAP initiative also includes up to $150 million to transform the State Museum, and $1.5 million for public safety enhancements.

The environmental review will examine ways to enhance waterfront access along the Hudson River for all users of the road, connect neighborhoods and key destinations in communities along the corridor, and address the infrastructure of I-787, the South Mall Expressway, the Dunn Memorial Bridge, and additional infrastructure along the study area.

The Reimagine I-787 Outreach Center will be open five days a week and will be staffed by members of the project team. Hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to visit the center to engage with the project team staff and learn more about how their input can make a difference to the future of this vital Capital Region corridor.

State Senator Patrica Fahy said, "What began years ago as a concerted effort to reconnect our Capital City to its greatest historical and natural asset, the Hudson River waterfront, is now poised to change the face of Albany. The new Community Outreach Center will provide neighbors with a direct place to connect with the Reimagining I-787 team, provide input, and ensure that our community remains the driving force behind this project. I want to thank Governor Hochul for partnering with me and prioritizing the reimagining of I-787, which has cemented the impacts of redlining in some of our most disadvantaged neighborhoods for far too long. We continue to turn the page, and ultimately, write an entirely new book for our Capital City and Hudson River waterfront."

Assemblymember John McDonald III, RPh said, "The opening of this community outreach center marks an important step forward in reimagining the I-787 corridor. We have a real opportunity to bring our communities back together in a way that promotes accessibility and economic growth. I encourage residents and businesses to take advantage of this space to learn more about the project and share their input. I thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Transportation for their continued commitment to investing in the Capital Region."

Assemblymember Gabriella Romero said, "This project is an important step forward as we build on the Governor's historic $400 million investment in our capital city and continue working on shaping Albany's future together as a community. Public input is essential to getting this right, and this new outreach center gives residents a real opportunity to see the vision, ask questions, and make their voices heard. I encourage everyone to stop by, learn more, and be part of this exciting effort to revitalize downtown Albany and reconnect our communities to the Hudson River."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "I appreciate the Governor's leadership in making this outreach center a reality. Projects like this can feel big and distant, but they can have a direct impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. Having a space where folks can walk in, ask questions, share concerns, and stay informed makes a real difference. I'm glad to see that kind of commitment to keeping the community front and center."

City of Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs said, "Reimagining this corridor is about more than infrastructure. It is about reconnecting neighborhoods, improving access to our waterfront, and building a downtown that is more accessible and connected. This outreach center creates a real opportunity for residents to be part of shaping what comes next. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the State Department of Transportation for their continued partnership and investment in Albany through the Championing Albany's Potential initiative. Opening this space for public engagement ensures that the future of I-787 is guided by the voices of the people who live, work, and spend time here every day. I encourage people to stop by the outreach center, just down the street from City Hall, and learn more about how their input is a critical part of this process. This is an important step forward in creating a city that is better connected and built to meet the needs of our residents."

City of Rensselaer Mayor John DeFrancesco said, "I applaud Governor Hochul for opening a Community Outreach Center for the public to learn more about and have input into the Reimagine I-787 project. City of Rensselaer residents are very interested in this project, that includes replacing the Dunn Memorial Bridge, and many residents have appreciated talking with Reimagine I-787 project staff at our Farmer's Market in Riverfront Park under the Dunn Memorial Bridge ramps. Having a dedicated outreach center for on-going public engagement regarding the Reimagine I-787 will assure that the public remains aware of and involved in this important project. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and her team as Reimagine I-787 moves forward."

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