Thanks to a joint effort between the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the New York State Police, for the first time, state-owned UAS will be used to monitor weekend traffic conditions at the 2017 Great New York State Fair, which takes place from August 23 through September 4.

The UAS will be used to help the New York State Police and the State Department of Transportation monitor traffic and parking lot capacity during the weekends, which tend to be the highest attended days of the 13-day extravaganza.

​All parties are involved are excited about the use of this technology.

“By using state-of-the-art drone technology, we will be able to better respond to changing traffic conditions and ensure a smoother travel experience for visitors,” says Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos says, “as we continue to use cutting edge technology like drones to improve our emergency response and environmental management efforts, DEC is always available to assist our sister state agencies in helping to ensure public safety at events like the Great New York State fair.”

Seggos adds, “in addition to helping with traffic safety, this mission provides an important training opportunity for our staff.”

And finally, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II says, “this collaboration with our partners at DOT and DEC provides a new tool to monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments as needed.”

With a range of approximately one mile, the UAS, which will operate under “FAA guidelines by line of sight rules,” will provide “enhanced situational awareness to assist with traffic management.” The technology is meant to help police and members of the NYSDOT perform their duties more effectively, and cut down on delays for fairgoers.

Use of this technology complements “Central NY Rising,” which is the region’s “comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development.”

UAS research, development and manufacturing were also important in the region's winning $500 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative plan.