History
The history of the New York State Department of Transportation and its predecessors spans over two centuries:
- In 1781, the Office of Surveyor General was reorganized from its colonial Dutch and English beginnings to survey lands that had been vested in the state during and following the Revolutionary war.
- In 1810, the Erie Canal Commission was established to build the Erie Canal, and afterwards the canal commissioners oversaw maintenance and enlargement of the canals
- In 1848, the Office of State Engineer and Surveyor succeeded the Surveyor General's Office.
- In 1878, the Superintendent of Public Works took over the competences of the canal commissioners.
- In 1907, the Public Service Commission assumed responsibility for the economic and safety regulation of privately operated transportation; railroad and bus safety inspection; and, approval for the installation of protection for or elimination of at-grade rail highway crossings.
- In 1909, the New York State Department of Highways was established by the Highway Act.
- In 1927, the Department of Public Works took over the competences of the State Engineer and Surveyor, unifying responsibility for highways, canals and public buildings,
- In 1967, the New York State Department of Transportation was formed to deal with the state's complex transportation system, and absorbed among others the Department of Public Works.
Read more about this topic: New York State Department Of Transportation
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