Sen. Griffo: Parity needed between downstate and upstate when it comes to infrastructure investments

Following a Joint Legislative Hearing on transportation last week that spent much time focusing on New York City’s mass transit systems, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome is reminding his downstate Democrat colleagues in the Senate majority that Upstate New York has infrastructure needs that are just as important.

“While roads and bridges are crumbling in Upstate New York, Democrats in the Senate, many with ties to New York City, seem more interested in fixing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) than addressing the infrastructure needs of Upstate New York,” Sen. Griffo said. “I understand that fixing the MTA and New York City’s transportation issues are important, but I would like to see parity in the investments between upstate and downstate for transportation as well as underground infrastructure. Upstate cannot wait for infrastructure issues in New York City to be resolved. We need assistance now. I intend to be strong voice and advocate for such help until we get it.”

Current expenditures on local roads are not even close to keeping pace with pavement and bridge needs, according to a report from the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways. Over $1.3 billion in additional revenue is needed annually to meet these needs. Without additional resources, the deterioration of the pavement and bridge infrastructure will accelerate and will adversely impact the motoring public and the economic vitality of New York State.

“Half of the bridges and 87 percent of the streets in New York State are county, town village or city roads,” said Dennis S. Davis, president of the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association and Oneida County Department of Public Works Commissioner. “CHIPS, Pave NY and the Extreme Winter Recovery funding goes directly to local municipalities and are critical for the preservation of our local highway systems. I am looking forward to working together with Sen. Griffo, the Governor and legislators to assure upstate gets its fair share of infrastructure funding.” 

Securing more funding for Upstate New York’s infrastructure has been a priority of Sen. Griffo. Through Sen. Griffo’s efforts and advocacy, a record $603 million for the Consolidated Local Streets and Highway Program, Pave New York and Extreme Winter Recovery to rehabilitate and modernize our roads and highways and to ensure the safety of motorists and their families as they travel throughout the state was included in the 2018-19 State Budget. That funding included $65 million in one-time CHIPS funding for extreme winter recovery.

“The governor’s proposed budget has proposed billions of dollars for the MTA in New York City,” Sen. Griffo said. “Less certain is the specific amounts that are going to be allocated to upstate communities for road, bridges, rural transportation hubs and other infrastructure needs such as broadband, gas, electric and sewer. I remain concerned and disturbed that the Governor has proposed cutting AIM funding, which would help communities throughout Upstate New York with important and needed infrastructure repairs and improvements. Significant to developing the economies of these upstate communities is a strong foundation, which starts with infrastructure.” 

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