Senator John W. Mannion Announces $1.5M in New Funding for Road Maintenance and Repair in the City of Auburn

AUBURN, NY – Senator John W. Mannion (D-Geddes) today announced that he secured $1.5M in new funding for road and bridge maintenance in the City of Auburn.

The dollars are from the Touring Routes Program, a new state initiative that helps localities offset the cost of maintaining state roads within their jurisdictions. Syracuse ($7.2M) and Solvay ($203,000) are also receiving Touring Routes funding. According to the Department of Transportation, a total of $8.9M from the Touring Routes program will ensure nearly 36 miles of roads in the 50th Senate District are pothole free and kept in good working condition for the traveling public.

Officials from the City of Auburn including Mayor Michael Quill, City Manager Jeff Dygert, City Clerk Chuck Mason, and members of the City Council joined Senator Mannion at today’s announcement. 

“This new money for Auburn, Syracuse, and Solvay will offset the cost of maintaining state roads that have burdened these localities for years,” said Senator John W. Mannion. “Roads are expensive. The Touring Routes program will help local budgets, local projects, and keep Central New York’s traveling public on the move. I am grateful to my partners here in Auburn, and across the district, who have long sounded the alarm on the need for this type of transportation funding, and I’m proud that I could deliver it for my constituents.” 

Auburn Mayor Michael D. Quill said, “For years we have been making the case to Albany that our cities need more funding for the state-owned routes that go through our city.  Senator Mannion heard our case and fought for us during this State budget process.  For years, we have always provided the maintenance on these state routes and this new program will assist Auburn greatly to cover the expense that we incur throughout the year.  We thank Senator Mannion for listening to us, taking our concerns to Albany and delivering this significant amount of funding to Auburn.”  

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “New York State is a critical partner to the City of Syracuse in maintaining and improving our local roads. I want to thank Senator Mannion and the other members of our local delegation, as well as the Governor, for supporting the Touring Routes program. An additional $7.2 million in state funding means we will be able to undertake more road infrastructure projects in the City this year which will improve conditions long in to the future. That means streets that are safer and easier to use for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

Auburn City Councilor Jimmy Giannettino said, “Safe and reliable roads are a quality of life issue and vital for economic development.  The announcement of the new Touring Road Funding Program is welcome news to us here in Auburn.  I would like to thank Senator Mannion for his advocacy on our behalf and for delivering this much needed funding.” 

Auburn City Councilor Terry Cuddy said, “Senator Mannion understands that if New York is going to succeed economically we need to protect and rebuild the foundation of our infrastructure.  Senator Mannion listened to us and fought for this new funding, which will greatly assist Auburn to pay for the large expense associated with road maintenance.  We need the State to be a partner and Senator Mannion understands that.”  

Solvay Mayor Derek Baichi said, “I am so pleased that the Village of Solvay is eligible for $200,000 as part of the City Touring Routes Program. Furthermore, Senator Mannion’s office has been wonderful to work with as well.”

Senator Mannion is highlighting the Touring Routes program because it is new funding and a new initiative, but it represents only a portion of the transportation money allocated to the 50th Senate District.