Syracuse will host one of nine statewide roundtable discussions to prepare for federal authorization of legislation for funding of highways, bridges and other key infrastructure projects.

The Syracuse forum, which will be held from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25, at the Oncenter, will focus on the department's 20-year plan and the five-year capital program.

Other forums will focus on issues such as mobility and accessibility, energy and environment, the economy, freight transportation, traffic congestion and land use.

Discussions on these issues will include the condition of the state's highways, bridges, buses, airports, railroads and ports. Emphasis will also be put on what the state's transportation goals compared to what they should be and why authorization of federal funding is critical.

Astrid Glynn, NYSDOT commissioner, said in a press release that funding will be crucial to provide and maintain a 21st century transportation network across the state

To help make this point, forums will include a presentation by NYSDOT to discuss the department's 20-year needs and five-year capital plan, followed by a local impact assessment by the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

A public comment session will conclude each forum giving attendees a chance to ask questions and raise local transportation issues.