Members of the Assembly and Senate Republican Conferences, as well as county and town highway superintendents held a press conference on March 8 to call for increased state support for local roads, bridges, and culverts. They called on Governor Hochul to further increase her Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) proposal by $250 million, increase the “Extreme Winter Recovery” (EWR) funding by $50 million, distribute the $100 million program utilizing the existing CHIPS/EWR aid to ensure equity and fairness, and finally, increase the five-year, DOT Capital Plan to $44.1 billion. Advocates supporting a funding increase argue that even though funding was increased for these programs last year, there is still much work to be done to ensure New York’s roads are safe for those who travel on them, and supply chains are able to keep moving as efficiently as possible.
“Investing in our infrastructure is what helps keep our towns and villages operating smoothly. Without our local highway crews working day and night to keep our roads safe, we would not be able to commute to work and our local first responders would not be there when we need them. This funding should be based on lane miles not centerline miles. Gov. Hochul is an upstate native and should understand the importance of strong road infrastructure, as such, we are asking for a more responsible increase as inflation alone has made an impact on all necessary resources. Local roads are essential; increase critically important infrastructure funding this year’s budget,” said Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C,I-Greece).
“The well-being of our roads relates directly to the strength of our state’s economy and the safety of all who travel throughout it. This is especially important to consider when first responders are transporting patients and minutes matter,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “In these times, we must also bear in mind that by improving our roads, we will strengthen our supply chains–the slowing of which has weighed heavily on the wallets of our residents. Fixing potholes and making travel safe is something I believe lawmakers of all parties can come together to support. I’m hopeful we can get it done in this year’s budget.”
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