The family of New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) worker Dennis “Matt” Howe today joined State Senator Fred Akshar, DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, and other area officials at a ceremony to officially designate the “Dennis ‘Matt’ Howe Memorial Highway.”
Akshar and NYS Assembly Member Christopher Friend introduced and sponsored this year’s legislation (S4915/A7696, Chapter 158 of the Laws of 2019) authorizing the designation. Under the new law, a portion of the State Highway Route 17 in Owego will receive the designation.
Akshar sponsored the legislation to honor Howe’s memory, and pay tribute to his life and service. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed their legislation into law on August 9, 2019, five months after Howe’s death.
On March 18th of this year, Howe passed away from injuries sustained when a tractor-trailer collided with his DOT truck as he and his team were performing highway safety work on Route 17. Howe was 45 years old is survived by his wife, Alycia Haus; his children, Bre and Dalton; as well as his parents, grandparents and siblings.
The ceremony took place at DOT’s Owego facility. Senator Akshar and Commissioner Dominguez joined Howe’s family, friends, coworkers, state police, local officials and members of the community to dedicate the highway.
– From Senator Akshar’s Office
