Former Chief Investment Officer Pleads Guilty

 

Ken Leech, Former Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset Management, Pleads Guilty to Obstructing an Investigation of His Fraudulent Scheme to Favor Certain Clients at the Expense of Others

Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Sean S. Buckley, announced that S. KENNETH LEECH II, the former Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset Management Company (“WAMCO”), pled guilty to obstructing justice by giving false and misleading testimony to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with an investigation into LEECH’s fraudulent scheme to favor certain clients at the expense of others.  LEECH pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.  

“Leech willfully and intentionally gave false and misleading testimony to the SEC in an effort to obstruct an investigation into his fraudulent scheme to favor certain clients at the expense of others,” said Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean S. Buckley.  “Investment managers, like Leech, are entrusted by the SEC and the public at large to comply with their duty to be honest to regulators and fair to their clients.  This plea reflects the commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to protecting everyday investors—in New York City and abroad—from investment advisers who violate their legal commitments and seek to deceive clients for their gain or the gain of others.” 

As alleged in the Indictment, Superseding Information, and other public filings in this case: 

Between 2021 and October 2023, LEECH committed fraud and abused the trust placed in him by clients of the investment-management firm WAMCO.  LEECH engaged in a criminal scheme commonly known as cherry-picking to compensate for losses in his marquee investment strategy by assigning trades that performed well during their first day into client accounts associated with that investment strategy, and assigning trades that performed poorly over their first day into the accounts of other clients, who were not aware that LEECH was causing them losses to favor others.  LEECH’s victims included institutional and retail investors who entrusted LEECH to manage their savings and pension plans.  Over the course of his criminal scheme, LEECH allocated trades with net first-day gains of at least approximately $600 million to his favored strategy and clients, and allocated trades with net first-day losses of at least approximately $600 million to strategies and clients to whom he owed an equal fiduciary duty.

In an effort to obstruct the investigation of that fraudulent scheme, LEECH testified before the SEC that he knew where he planned to allocate trades at the time he placed them.  The facts showed differently.  LEECH owed a fiduciary duty to all of his clients.  But between 2021 and October 2023, LEECH improperly engaged in a scheme to delay his trades in order to allocate them in a manner that benefitted some of his clients, to the detriment of others.  LEECH’s scheme defrauded clients for whom he was serving a registered financial advisor.  

LEECH, 72, of Pasadena, California, pled guilty to one count of obstructing justice, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  LEECH is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2026. 

Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Mr. Buckley also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force.

Mayor Mamdani Names Celeste Ramirez President of the School Construction Authority

 

Ramirez becomes the first Latina New Yorker to lead the organization   

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani named Celeste Ramirez President of the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA).    

  

Ramirez returns to the SCA after previously serving in multiple leadership roles at the agency before founding and leading her own construction management firm. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, Ramirez will become the first Latina New Yorker to lead the organization.   

  

The School Construction Authority is responsible for designing and building safe, welcoming and sustainable public schools for New York City’s students.   

  

“Every child deserves a school that inspires them to learn, supports them to succeed and reflects the value we place on their future. School buildings are more than bricks and mortar. They are places where young New Yorkers learn, grow, eat healthy meals, build community and forge their futures,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Celeste Ramirez brings decades of experience, a deep commitment to public service and firsthand knowledge of the work ahead. Under her leadership, we will accelerate the construction of the classrooms we need to meet class size requirements, modernize our school infrastructure and ensure every student has access to a world-class learning environment.”  

  

“Throughout my life, I’ve seen the impact public schools have on our communities – first as a child, newly immigrated to this country, welcomed with open arms by my local public school, and then in my professional career, where I saw the ways physical infrastructure that inspires and innovates turns schools into true community centers,” said SCA President Celeste Ramirez. “As I step into this role, I’m deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve the schoolchildren, educators and staff that make up our school communities, and eager to support the contractors that make this work possible.”    

  

About Celeste Ramirez  

  

Celeste Ramirez most recently served as the President and CEO of CARA Construction Management, Inc., the construction consulting firm she founded in 2004. Under her leadership, the firm completed more than 150 projects and developed innovative tools to evaluate project performance and contractor capacity.  

  

Prior to founding CARA, Ramirez spent 15 years with the SCA, serving in several leadership roles, including Manager of Operations for the SCA’s legal and real estate divisions. She also led community relations efforts, helping strengthen partnerships between the agency and the communities it served.  

  

Following her tenure at SCA, Ramirez continued supporting the agency’s mission by mentoring contractors and subcontractors participating in SCA projects. In partnership with Baruch College (CUNY), she helped administer an intensive 10-month training program designed to support emerging SCA contractors and expand opportunities for small firms.   

  

Ramirez began her public service career in the Office of the Bronx Borough President, where she served as the director of housing services before becoming a budget analyst and community relations liaison.   

  

Ramirez’ family moved from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic, where Ramirez was born, before moving to the Bronx where she was raised. Ramirez has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity through public investment, community engagement and infrastructure development.  

NYC Comptroller Levine and Pension Boards Announce Search for Asset Managers to Provide Passive Indexing Investment Services

 

Public equity index services last solicited in 2017; search launched today reflects commitment to fiduciary best practices and good governance as existing contracts set to expire by the end of 2026

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine and trustees of the City’s five public pension systems (the Systems) announced the launch of a search for asset management firms to provide public equity passive indexing services. This includes capitalization weighted indexes, smart beta/alternatively weighted indexes, or any other type of indexed portfolio (consistent with each System’s investment guidelines), such as those based on ESG factors and limits on carbon. As of March 31, 2026 the Systems held $127.11 billion in public equity investments, with the majority invested in passive index products. The amount allocated to managers selected through this search will be determined based on the needs of each System.

The Comptroller’s Office will manage the search according to the City’s Procurement Policy Board Rules on behalf of the Systems. Each of the Systems’ board of trustees, in partnership with their general investment consultants and the Bureau of Asset Management, will engage in a rigorous review process to make the final selection of one or more  firms that best serve their individual investment needs.

“Fulfilling our mandate of delivering strong returns for our public sector workforce and retirees requires ongoing review of our contractual relationships with each of our asset managers. We cannot keep these relationships on autopilot. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to ensure we select the managers that meet our highest standards of performance,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine.

Details on minimum requirements for firms interested in participating in the search, the evaluation process, contract award procedures, and proposal evaluation criteria are provided in the full Notice of Search. Investment managers that are small, New York City-based or MWBEs are encouraged to participate in this search.

Interested firms must submit information to the appropriate databases by Wednesday, July 15th. The contract will have an initial term of three years and options for renewal.

The full notice of search can be read online at: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/rfp/notice-of-search-for-equity-index-investment-management-products-and-services/. Interested firms may reach out to EquitySearch2026@comptroller.nyc.gov with any questions.

In addition to Comptroller Levine, trustees of the New York City public pension systems are as follows:

Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS): Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s appointees: Ahmer Qadeer, Director and Chief Pension Administrator, Mayor’s Office of Pensions and Investments, and Joseph Borelli; Greg Faulkner, Chair, New York City Public Schools Panel for Educational Policy; and Thomas Brown (Board Chair), Victoria Lee, and Christina McGrath, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS): Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s representative Ahmer Qadeer, Director and Chief Pension Administrator, Mayor’s Office of Pensions and Investments (Board Chair); New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Donovan Richards Jr. (Queens), Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn), Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx), Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Manhattan), and Vito Fossella (Staten Island); Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; John Chiarello, President, Transport Workers Union Local 100; and Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

New York City Police Pension Fund (Police): Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s representative Ahmer Qadeer, Director and Chief Pension Administrator, Mayor’s Office of Pensions and Investments; New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch (Board Chair); New York City Finance Commissioner Richard Lee; Patrick Hendry, President, Albert Alcierno, First Vice President, Arthur Egner, Second Vice President and Michael Freeman, Chair, all of the NYC Police Benevolent Association; Chris Monahan, President, Captains Endowment Association; Louis Turco, President, Lieutenants Benevolent Association; Vincent Vallelong, President, Sergeants Benevolent Association; and Scott Munro, President, Detectives Endowment Association.

New York City Fire Pension Fund (Fire): Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s representative Ahmer Qadeer, Director and Chief Pension Administrator, Mayor’s Office of Pensions and Investments; New York City Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore (Board Chair); New York City Finance Commissioner Richard Lee; Andrew Ansbro, President, Robert Eustace, Vice President, Christopher Viola, Treasurer, and Dennis Tveter, Chair, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; Sean Michael, Chief’s Rep., Liam Guilfoyle, Captain’s Rep., and Joseph Camastro, Lieutenants’ Rep., all of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association; and John Young, President, Marine Engineers Association.

Board of Education Retirement System of the City of New York (BERS): Members of the New York City Public Schools Panel for Educational Policy, including: Borough President Appointees Shirley Aubin (Queens), Camille Casaretti (Brooklyn), Jonathan Collins (Manhattan), Rima Izquierdo (Bronx), and Aaron Bogad (Staten Island); Elected CEC Members Adriana Alecia (Queens), Faraji Hannah-Jones (Brooklyn), Naveed Hasan (Manhattan), Brenida Parsons (Bronx), and Debra Altman (Staten Island); Mayoral appointees Joseph Borelli, Marjorie Dienstag, Amy Fair, Gregory Faulkner, Dr. Madeline Fox, Anita Garcia, Anthony Giordano, Dr. Angela Green, Alice Ho, Yadira Jimenez, Jessamyn Lee, Sharon Odwin, Alan Ong, and Maisha Sapp; New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, represented by Karine Apollon (Board Co-Chair); as well as two elected employee members: Donald Nesbit, District Council 37, Local 372 (Board Co-Chair) and Frank Sirabella, IUOE Local 891.

“Revisit the Revolution” Tour Highlights New York State Parks and Historic Sites Connected to the American Revolution

 

OPRHP Commissioner Moser’s Tour Marks 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution Throughout Parks and Historic Sites System

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser will embark on a three-day “Revisit the Revolution” tour to highlight New York State Parks and Historic Sites that preserve and highlight the history of the American Revolution. New York State is home to more Revolutionary sites than any other state, and the tour, June 15-17, 2026, will stop at 12 of these sites – including Washington’s Headquarters – the nation’s first public historic site.

“We are traveling across New York to visit the places where America’s story was shaped, defended, debated, and preserved,” Commissioner Moser said. “As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, these places remind us that the American Revolution was never the story of a single battle, a single leader, or a single moment. It was the story of people – soldiers and statesmen, families and farmers, immigrants and Indigenous nations, men and women whose lives intersected with the struggle for independence.”

New York manages 45 state historic sites and parks – along with thousands of historic collections – connected to the American Revolution. Their stories tell what happened before, during, and after the conflict, and they also show how later generations commemorated anniversaries and worked to preserve the story of the American Revolution for us to explore today.  

The tour will cover 550 miles through the Hudson Valley, Capital District, Central Region and Mohawk Valley visiting historic sites and discussing programs associated with the American Revolution. The itinerary includes:

Monday, June 15, 2026

Knox Headquarters State Historic Site, Vails Gate – 8:45 a.m.  Costumed interpreters will share history of the place where Major General Henry Knox – Commander of the American artillery – established his military headquarters during the war.

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor – 10:15 a.m.  Commander-in-Chief George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, an award to recognize enlisted soldiers and non-commissioned officers who had distinguished themselves during the war. The badge, the precursor to the Purple Heart Medal, is on display at the Hall of Honor.

Fort Montgomery State Historic Site/Bear Mountain, Fort Montgomery – 12:45 p.m.  The stop will include a tour of Fort Montgomery and the ruins of Fort Clinton – within present day Bear Mountain State Park – which were built by American forces in 1776 to protect the Hudson River from British control – and were the site of a significant battle on October 6, 1777.

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers – 2:30 p.m.  The estate of a Loyalist family during the Revolution, this historic site is a featured “Our Whole History” destination – dedicated to sharing untold stories of the past – and welcoming diverse audiences.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Washington Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh – 9 a.m.  The Nation's first publicly owned state historic site, which opened on July 4th of 1850, preserves the house that George Washington called headquarters for more than 16 months. 

Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown – 11:30 a.m.  The home of one the Nation’s Founders, Robert Livingston, the history at Clermont features the many individuals who lived there, the slaves who were there, the German Palatines, the woman who rebuilt the house after it was burned during the revolution.

Peebles Island State Park, Waterford – 2 p.m.  The stop will feature the “Revisit the Revolution” traveling exhibit – which is bringing historic artifacts to communities across the state – as well the America 250 license plate offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Oriskany – 9:30 a.m.  The visit will include a display of artifacts discovered as part of the archeological investigation into one the Revolutionary War’s major battles.

Herkimer Home State Historic Site, Little Falls – 11:15 a.m.  The stop will include a tour of a new visitor center under construction at the home of Revolutionary War General Nicholas Herkimer.

Johnson Hall State Historic Site, Johnstown – 1 p.m.  A new house tour “A World Turned Upside Down” will be featured in this visit to William Johnson, a major figure of the Colonial era.

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany – 4 p.m.  The stop will include work to make the home of General Philip Schuyler more accessible to visitors.

The tour is open to the media. Media members wishing to attend should RSVP to news@parks.ny.gov.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom. 

Coordinated Law Enforcement Actions Results in Arrests of Seven Men in Connection with Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Loan Applications

As a result of coordinated law enforcement actions in three states, seven men have been arrested and indicted in connection with submitting fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, totaling $205,639 in fraudulent loan proceeds. The takedown was conducted by the FBI Field Offices in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Houston, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

“This case demonstrates the power of a true whole-of-government approach to deliver swift justice against fraudsters—and it should be replicated in every region across the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “I commend the outstanding work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, the FBI, the SBA-OIG, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for holding these individuals accountable.”

“Seven defendants are alleged to have exploited government-funded programs designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans to line their pockets,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the outstanding investigative efforts by the FBI, SBA-OIG, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department these defendants will now each have their day in court to face federal criminal fraud charges.”

According to allegations contained in court documents, Elias Santino Acereto; Sheyland Barnett; James Freeman; Tyrone Tatrice Johnson; Marcus Dushun McMillian-Bonner; Yves Harrison Pierre; and Nathan Jeffry Scott, all of Las Vegas, each provided false information and fake documentation when applying for PPP loans and/or EIDL loans. As alleged, they each fraudulently obtained the loan funds to enrich themselves.

Acereto; Barnett; Johnson; Bonner; Pierre; and Scott, are each charged with one count of wire fraud; and Freeman is charged with two counts of wire fraud. On June 11, Barnett, Freemon, Johnson, and Scott, were arrested in Las Vegas; Acereto and Pierre were arrested in Phoenix, and Bonner was arrested in Richmond, Texas.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Las Vegas Field Office; FBI Phoenix Division; FBI Houston Division; the SBA-OIG; and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting these cases.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Mayor Mamdani Announces 130 LinkNYC Kiosks Will Stream Game 5 of the NBA Finals

 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that 130 LinkNYC kiosks across the five boroughs will stream Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night. Earlier this week, the Mayor partnered with LinkNYC and the NBA to stream Game 4 on dozens of screens citywide, the first time live sports programming has been broadcast on LinkNYC kiosks.

“The Knicks belong to all New Yorkers, whether you’re watching from the Garden or not,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Earlier this week, New Yorkers gathered around LinkNYC kiosks to watch one of the greatest comebacks in basketball history. This weekend, we’re running it back. More than a hundred kiosks will turn our sidewalks into watch parties and our streets into celebrations. Knicks in Five.”

Since taking office, Mayor Mamdani has prioritized making sports and recreation more accessible to New Yorkers. In May, the Mamdani administration announced a historic partnership with FIFA to secure 1,000 affordable FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets for New Yorkers. The following month, the Mayor extended field lighting for the summer, adding 4,000 hours of play on basketball courts, soccer fields and other sports facilities across the five boroughs. Earlier today, the Mayor launched NYC Open Play, providing free, staffed overnight pickup soccer at one field in every borough throughout the World Cup.

Ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Mayor signed an executive order temporarily repealing bedtimes in New York so kids could stay up and watch the Knicks. City Hall also released a hype video rallying support for the team as it pursued its first NBA championship in more than 50 years.

“Game 5 is a can’t miss for New York Knicks fans. Using technology to increase access to view this historic game ensures everyone across the five boroughs can take part,” said NYC Chief Technology Officer and OTI Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “We’re proud to support Mayor Mamdani’s initiatives to mobilize and engage residents and visitors alike. Knicks in Five!”

“LinkNYC was built to connect New Yorkers to what matters most, and few things have united this city quite like this historic Knicks run,” said Nick Colvin, CEO of LinkNYC. “LinkNYC and Intersection are proud to work with the City to integrate live content into public spaces and transform digital infrastructure into a platform for community, culture and connection.” 

Match One at NYNJ Stadium: What New Yorkers Need to Know

 

Tune into Mayor’s “Morning Pitch” briefing tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. for the latest weather and transportation updates   

 

Stream available on YouTube, X, Instagram and Facebook  

Tomorrow Saturday at 6 p.m., Brazil and Morocco will go head-to-head at the first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match hosted at NYNJ Stadium. At 8:30 p.m., the Knicks and Spurs will face off at an away game in San Antonio, Texas.  

  

With a busy day expected across all five boroughs, here’s what New Yorkers and visitors need to know to stay safe and plan ahead.  

  

The Mayor will be providing updates directly to New Yorkers tomorrow morning at 8:45 a.m. through the “Morning Pitch,” a regular livestream he will host the morning of every World Cup game held in the tristate area.  

  

Weather  

  

Temperatures will approach 90 degrees, with possible thunderstorms and strong wind gusts later in the day.  

  

New Yorkers are encouraged to stay cool, stay hydrated and be vigilant for signs of heat illness – including dizziness, confusion and fatigue. If storms hit, go indoors and exercise caution while traveling.  

  

Text the keyword SUMMER26, SUMMER26ESP or SUMMER26FRE to 692-692 to receive alerts and updates on events in English, Spanish and French, respectively.  

  

Visit nyc.gov/beready for more emergency preparedness tips.   

  

Transportation and Traffic

  

As part of Mayor Mamdani’s Midtown Transportation Plan, all local World Cup match days, including tomorrow, will be declared a Gridlock Alert Day in anticipation of heavy traffic.   

  

New Yorkers should plan for heavy traffic and travel delays in and around Midtown. Walk, bike or take public transportation instead of driving when possible.  

  

Public transportation is the easiest way to get to NYNJ Stadium.  

  

Matchgoers should explore transit options and purchase tickets ahead of time at nynjfwc26.com/getting-to-nynj-stadium/.   

  

Shuttle and bus corridors will activate at 12 p.m. and remain in effect until 11 p.m.  

  

Access on the following corridors and lanes will be limited to NYNJ Stadium shuttle buses, MTA local buses, Official World Cup affiliate vehicles and emergency vehicles:  

  

•   42nd Street from First Avenue to Twelfth Avenue.  

•   Two lanes along Sixth Avenue from 42nd Street to 59th Street.  

•   Two lanes along Fifth Avenue from 42nd Street to 59th Street.  

•   West 40th Street between 8th Avenue and 11th Avenue.  

•   West 41st Street between 8th Avenue and 10th Avenue.  

Select streets around Penn Station will close no later than 12 p.m. to accommodate street-level queues.  

  

33rd Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue and 32nd Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue will reopen after 6 p.m. 33rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenue will reopen after 11 p.m. 

Additionally, truck deliveries in Midtown will be restricted between 12 p.m. and 11 p.m. between 30th Street and 60th Street.  

  

Restrictions apply only to trucks. Smaller delivery vehicles such as cars, vans and cargo bikes are exempt. Emergency vehicles, service vehicles and essential delivery providers operating within the zone are also exempt.  

  

More information is available within Mayor Mamdani’s Midtown Transportation Plan.  

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Meadow Hill Road Bridge Over I-87 in Orange County

New Bridge in Newburgh Brought Up to Modern Design Standards

Bridge Fully Reopened to Traffic June 12

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $7.8 million project to rebuild the Meadow Hill Road bridge over the Thruway (I-87) in the Town of Newburgh, Orange County. The modern structure replaces a 72-year-old bridge and represents the second major Thruway bridge completed in the Hudson Valley this spring.

The Meadow Hill Road bridge, which is wider than its predecessor, adds a sidewalk and provides increased vertical clearance to improve safety. The span reopened to traffic on Friday, June 12.

“New York State is focused on modernizing its transportation infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said.“The reopening of the Meadow Hill Road bridge by the Thruway Authority is another example of ensuring that the roads and bridges connecting our communities remain strong and reliable.”

About the Thruway System

Built in the early 1950s, the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. It sets the standard for modern highway geometric design with safe roadway characteristics including smooth curves, wide medians and unobstructed driver sight distance.

Year after year, the Thruway system is recognized as one of the safest highways in the nation. In 2024, the Thruway-wide fatality rate was 0.22 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, one of the lowest recorded rates on the Thruway system since fatality rates have been documented in 1954. The figure is significantly lower than the nationwide traffic fatality rate for 2024 of 1.20 and the latest New York State traffic fatality rate from 2023 of 0.93.