|
Road Chatter
From the New York State LTAP Center - Cornell Local Roads Program
April 2026
View from the Road
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
- Dr. Seuss
Don't just count your years, make your years count. - George Meredith
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?x=0&y=0&q=birthday
In 1951 (we don't know the exact date), the Cornell Local Roads Program was officially designated as a program at Cornell University with Jim Spencer as the first Director. In 1972, Lynne Irwin became the Director and was so for over 40 years. I have been fortunate to be here for over 30 years, the last twelve as the Director. (And yes, that is me on the left without a bowtie and dark hair....see the picture below)
The roots of the Local Roads Program go back to the Good Roads Movement at the turn of the 19th century, when a coalition of farmers and bicyclists advocated for better roads, especially in rural areas. Hosting at least four good roads conferences between 1905 and 1923, Cornell University has a long history of supporting local road and street departments. In partnership with the New York Association of Towns, we have hosted 78 Highway Schools since 1938. The 79th School is June 1-3 in Ithaca. The Cornell Local Roads Program today serves as the New York State Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Center, one of 58 Local or Tribal centers around the country.
Since Cornell starts its fiscal year on July 1, we are going to designate the birthday (anniversary) of the program on that day (unless, of course, we find something more definitive). In the next few Nuggets & Nibbles newsletters, and in other ways, we will celebrate our history this spring and early summer while setting a path to the future. We know we cannot celebrate our 100th birthday without your help. Thanks for joining us on the ride down the road.
- David Orr, PE
| 
