Newly Built Long Island Welcome Center May Have Broken the Law

New York State may have broken federal law when it opened the 15,200-square-foot Long Island Expressway Welcome Center in Dix Hills in October, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Neil Gaffney, a FHWA spokesman, said over-the-counter sales are prohibited in rest and recreation areas along interstates.

Vending machines are allowed at rest stops, but the Welcome Center may offer more than what is required.

Among the amenities in the Welcome Center, the NY Taste Market features a selection of fresh-made breakfast and lunch items, including soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts using Long Island-sourced ingredients. It also features grab-and-go snacks and specialty local items for sale.

Gaffney said if there are over-the-counter sales taking place at the rest stop, the FHWA will work with New York State to bring the Welcome Center into compliance.

The FHWA released the following statement regarding the LIE rest stop:

“Federal law allows states to place vending machines in rest and recreation areas along Interstates for the comfort and safety of drivers and passengers, but prohibits over-the-counter sales in these areas. If over-the-counter sales are taking place at a New York State Department of Transportation Welcome Center rest area, we intend to work with New York in order to bring the state into compliance.”

The facility, located off eastbound Exits 51-52, was transformed from a underused parking area to a spacious, LEED-certified visitor’s center with numerous amenities for travelers.

• Long Island Welcome Center on the LIE: What You Need to Know

Images via Gov. Cuomo’s website