IUOE Local 825 Welcomes Gov. Hochul to Orange County Training Center

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 (IUOE) hosted Gov. Kathy Hochul at its New York Training Center last week to see first-hand the work members are doing to enhance labor skills, support local employment and economic development, and improve the state’s infrastructure.

Gov. Hochul toured the Training Center in New Hampton, a state-of-the art facility that provides educational resources and training programs for trades professionals. The governor was given a hands-on demonstration, including virtual reality simulator training and other innovative training tools. The governor then took her newly acquired skills into the field to operate an excavator.

The governor emphasized the critical role of the labor unions, particularly the operating engineers, in building the state’s infrastructure and enabling the American dream. She called on the audience to recognize the power and dignity of the union movement in the state.

“Union blood runs through my veins,” Gov. Hochul said, and shared her personal connection to the labor movement through her family history of electricians, plumbers and steelworkers. “That’s why this matters so much to me. We need to keep building … keep that sense of exceptionalism that has defined New York.”

Greg Lalevee, Business Manager of IUOE Local 825, commended Gov. Hochul for her “commitment to creating construction jobs and permanent positions” that provide good wages and benefits for union members.

“Gov. Hochul has an unprecedented and unrivaled track record when it comes to supporting operating engineer jobs and major infrastructure projects across New York – from the clean energy Champlain Hudson Power Express project, to the new Buffalo Stadium, the Gateway Tunnel and all of the roadway upgrades in between,” said Lalevee. “Gov. Hochul also has continued to do the engineering environmental work on Route 17 – a critical path to opening up the Hudson Valley and making sure goods and services can go through here.”

Gov. Hochul said these types of projects are about connecting communities and creating opportunities for current and future generations.

“The projects that are being done across our state – we’re unleashing potential. It’s time for a new stadium in Western New York … we’re getting that done. And Route 17, I’ve taken Route 17 many, many times. Making this part of the I-86 Interstate system … you’ll be doing that work. We need to keep re-imagining places and building those connections – whether it’s a tunnel, a highway, a bridge. You are the ones making that happen.”

The State Department of Transportation is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the Route 17 Mobility and Access Improvement Project, located between Exit 113 in Sullivan County and I-87 in Orange County. IUOE Local 825 has joined other stakeholders in advocating for a third travel lane east and west and making other necessary upgrades to convert the corridor to Interstate 86.

Photos and captions are available here.

ABOUT IUOE Local 825

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 (IUOE) represents more than 8,000 heavy equipment operators, mechanics and surveyors throughout the Hudson Valley in Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Delaware and Sullivan counties, and in New Jersey. Local 825 equips and trains members to be ready on day 1 to build and repair our state and nation’s most critical infrastructure – transportation, energy, and water.