State Budget Paves Way For Local Roads

ALBANY, 04/02/15 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced that crucial funding to support local highway improvements is included in the 2015-16 state budget.  

“Local roads, bridges, and culverts are the backbone of our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Seward.  “County and town highway superintendents from throughout my district joined me in Albany last month at a rally calling for an increase in funding for our local roads and bridges – and their voices were heard.”

The 2015-16 state budget makes a record investment of $488 million to support local highway, road, and bridge repair projects including $438 million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding. 

The state budget also includes $50 million in new capital funds to help localities pay for repairs related to the severe winter weather.

“For a second consecutive year, a special ‘pothole fund’ is included in the state budget to aid local highway departments as they make road repairs this spring.  After a brutal winter rife with added costs for salt, snow removal, and overtime many municipalities have been left with budget gaps.  This extra capital funding will help crews patch up roads, without completely depleting their budget reserves or forcing them to abandon other highway improvement projects,” Seward added.

Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

“The added state funding meets key transportation needs and helps the dedicated men and women who maintain our local roads do so at a cost taxpayers can afford.  Continued, consistent state support is critical to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality,” Seward concluded.

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