Self-Checkout Kiosks at Long Island Welcome Center a Temporary Solution, Feds Say

Implementing self-checkout kiosks at the Long Island Welcome Center in Dix Hills is a temporary solution to keeping the rest stop in compliance with federal law, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The FHWA recently approved a request by the New York State Department of Transportation to use self-checkout kiosks at the Long Island Welcome Center and at another location in Broome County.

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“They are the only two locations with that permission, but it is far from a permanent solution,” the FHWA said in a statement. “We are working with NYSDOT to find a long-term solution.”

Federal law allows vending machines at rest stops, but over-the-counter sales are prohibited in rest and recreation areas along interstates, according to FHWA spokesman Neil Gaffney. The FHWA said in December the Welcome Center may have offered more than what is required by federal law.

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.

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.

Discussions around this agreement are ongoing, but representatives at the DOT say they are pleased they can continue to sell New York-made products at the rest stop.

The DOT released the following statement regarding the agreement:

"The Taste NY program has been an overwhelming success that has grown by leaps and bounds and tripled sales over the last year. We are pleased the federal government understands the significant contribution the Taste NY stores provide to our economy and to New York farms and businesses. Discussions are ongoing, but with this agreement, and the addition of self-checkout ‎kiosks, these stores will continue to expose New Yorkers and visitors alike to the world-class products made in the Empire State."‎

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Image via Gov. Cuomo’s website