KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS:

• Coordination with Local Officials

• Identification of Desired Features

• Preference Survey

• Concession Revenue Estimate

• Operation and Maintenance Cost Estimate

• Preparation of Three Alternative Concept Plans

• Preliminary Environmental Screening

• Calculation of Capital Costs

• Feasibility Study/Report

Ripley, New York is located near the western terminus of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) at the Pennsylvania State line.  A Gateway Center located in Ripley would provide motorists on the New York State Thruway the opportunity to obtain tourism information and traveler services at a location easily accessible from the Interstate.

The New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) assigned TVGA, in conjunction with Greenman-Pederson, Inc. and Henningson, Durham & Richardson, P.C. to conduct a feasibility study.  A preference survey was conducted at the Ripley Mainline Toll Barrier to determine the desired concessions and services to be offered at this facility.  After selecting a mix of services to evaluate, revenue projections and operating costs were estimated. When constructed, the Gateway Center is intended to enhance economic development and promote tourism in Chautauqua County and Upstate New York.

TVGA is developing concept plans to provide easy access from Interstate 90. Concept plan includes a preliminary environmental screening. Three access alternatives were developed in accordance with predetermined design criteria.