Senator Murphy delivers on infrastructure pledge; secures $4 million for local roads

ALBANY, NY – The past several days of balmy, spring-like weather has made us forget about winter’s chill. Although we were spared a harsh winter, the effects of keeping the roads clear left many roadways in the 40th Senate District in need of repair. While working to bring the 2017-18 budget to fruition, Senator Terrence Murphy kept his eye on the potholes and damaged surfaces in the area, promising to seek an increase in funding to improve our roads. Senator Murphy has delivered on his infrastructure investment pledge, securing $4,428,212.29 from the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to help give drivers a stress-free ride.

The money is part of the DOT’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR) and Local PAVE-NY 2017-18 budget. Westchester County will get $3,484,677.68; Putnam County will receive $878,593.85, and Dutchess County will get $64,940.76.

“If our roads crumble, so does our ability to attract new business to the Hudson Valley. As our towns and villages continue to grow, we need to make sure our roads are safe and trouble-free,” Senator Murphy said. “I’ve always said there’s no Republican or Democratic way to fix a pot hole – only the right way! With an increase in funding, towns will be getting an additional bump to fix all those bumps in the roads.”

“The increased allocation of funding is appreciated and will help our highway department keep pace with their efforts to maintain our local roads,” said Yorktown Town Supervisor Michael Grace. “A solid, well-maintained infrastructure will benefit our local economy, and keep our roadways safe for commuters, visitors and families.”

Dave Paganelli, Highway Supervisor for the Town of Yorktown said, “We are very grateful to Senator Murphy for his work on behalf of the people of Yorktown. The additional funds he was able get will go a long way toward solving some of our paving issues.”

“It costs roughly a million dollars to pave six miles of road,” noted Michael Simone, Superintendent for the Town of Carmel Highway Department. “It could take thirty or forty years to pave all the local roads, so any funding that expedites that process is a huge help. And residents are happy because the money they sent to Albany now comes back to them in form of a better, safer roadway.”

Peter Sciliano, Superintendent for the Mt. Pleasant Highway Department added, “We pave at least four miles of road each year. The additional funds will literally help us get further down the road. We were lucky that the weather was mild up until February. However, the freezing rain and frozen ground created as many potholes as last year. We now have ability to do more for our residents.”

The breakdown for municipalities in the 40th Senate District portions of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties is as follows: