Senator Gallivan Attends Rally in Support of Increased Road Funding

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) joined a bipartisan group of state legislators and highway superintendents from across New York Wednesday in calling on Governor Cuomo to increase funding for local roads, bridges and culverts.  The Senators and Assembly Members are seeking additional funding through the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and the creation of a new “State Aid to Local Bridge and Culvert Program.”  The group is also stressing the need for parity in funding between downstate and upstate communities.

“Building and maintaining our roads and bridges is not just a matter of public safety, it has a direct impact on business and economic development,” Gallivan said.  “We need to ensure that there is adequate funding for infrastructure projects across New York and that those funds are distributed fairly.” 

Under Governor Cuomo’s 2016-17 proposed state budget, the five year Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Capital Plan is funded at $26 billion while the statewide five year Department of Transportation (DOT) Capital plan would receive $20 billion.   

The legislators are also calling for a $250 million increase in funding for CHIPS.  In a letter to the governor, legislative leaders and the DOT commissioner, the lawmakers also request a four-year $600-million program for local bridges and culverts.

Legislators were also joined by officials from the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association, The Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, the Association of Counties, Conference of Mayors, Rebuild NY Now, Association of General Contractors of New York, New York Farm Bureau and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

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