AKWESASNE --- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is continuing efforts “to improve and enhance public safety through assorted community infrastructure projects,” according to a news release from tribal officials. The most recent project is the result of concerns expressed by community members at tribal monthly meetings and other venues for improved street lighting.

As a result, the Tribe’s Planning & Infrastructure Department is seeking community input on a proposed plan to expand street lighting throughout the southern portion of Akwesasne.

“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe takes pride in strengthening public safety through collaborative community development,” stated Tribal Chief Eric Thompson on behalf of the Tribal Council. He added, “As the community has grown, we have seen the need to enhance public safety through improved lighting on our roadways. This project is a continuation of our community infrastructure improvement efforts over the past five years.”

The Planning & Infrastructure Department has developed a draft plan that involves the placement of streetlights at most intersections and roadways throughout the Tribe’s jurisdiction. The intersection of State Route 37 and Frogtown Road, as well as the Cook Road intersection, will receive the first streetlights. Streetlights will be placed at other intersections over the course of the next two years.

The proposed streetlights will be similar to those currently located at the entrance of the Akwesasne Housing Authority, which incorporates LED lighting. National Grid will install the streetlights at no cost to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe however; the Tribe will be responsible for paying the annual cost for electricity, which is dependent on the total number of lights and their lighting output (lumens).

A map of the proposed streetlight locations is available for community members to review and provide feedback. The map accompanies this article and is available to view on the Tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.

Individuals are encouraged to submit feedback before Friday, Feb. 2, to Construction Manager Brent Herne by calling 518-358-4205, emailing brent.herne@srmt-nsn.gov, or stopping by his office in the Planning & Infrastructure Building located at 2817 State Route 95 in Akwesasne, New York.