Senator Young Applauds Record Local Transportation Funding In State Budget

$488 Million for Local Highways, Roads, and Bridges

ALBANY - Record funding to help local governments repair roads and bridges, including a $50 million Extreme Winter Recovery Fund, was included in the recently passed 2015-16 State Budget, according to Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I,-Olean).

“This funding is great news for our local governments and taxpayers. Many of the roads, bridges, and highways throughout our community are showing signs of wear and are in need of maintenance and repairs. This influx of CHIPS and Extreme Winter Recovery funding will keep New York State moving, enhance public safety, and reduce the heavy financial burden infrastructure maintenance and repairs can have on area taxpayers,” said Senator Young.

For the third straight year, the budget includes record funding for local transportation with $438 million for Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), plus another $50 million in Extreme Winter Recovery Funds.

“Every day I hear from constituents about the condition of our local roads and bridges. In many places, there is a dire need for repairs and improvements, and this funding will allow municipalities across the region to complete this crucial work,” said Senator Young.

Recognizing the pothole and crack damage inflicted on roads by the difficult winter weather, Senate Republicans successfully fought for $50 million in Extreme Winter Recovery Funding that will free up additional local funds for municipalities to make repairs and improve conditions on roads and bridges.

“Communities in our area continue to face challenges because of the potholes that formed during this brutally cold and snowy winter. The extreme cold has damaged pavement and left hazardous craters. These potholes are causing vehicle damage and are a real safety issue. Now, local governments will have significant help from the state for bigger projects, alleviating the burden on local taxpayers, and allowing highway departments to direct local funding to the needed repairs,” said Senator Young.

“Together, the CHIPS funding and Extreme Winter Recovery Funds will go a long way for the upkeep of our transportation infrastructure, while also providing much needed relief for the hardworking taxpayers across our region,” said Senator Young.

Attached is the CHIPS and Extreme Winter Recovery funding that municipalities will receive this fiscal year, which can also be accessed at www.nysenate.gov/files/15_CHIPS_Runs.pdf.