Senate Transportation Chair Tim Kennedy Announces Record Investment in New York State Infrastructure in 2021-2022 Budget Deal

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, announced today that the state legislature has finalized one of the most ambitious investments in transportation that New York has seen in decades. 

Comprehensive investments include:

• Adding $100 million to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), bringing a total investment to $538 million. This marks a 22.83% increase in a program that hasn’t seen an increase since 2013.

• Restoring a proposed cut of $65 million to the Extreme Winter Recovery Funds, and adding $35 million, bringing a total investment to $100 million. This is a 53.8% increase over the previous budget’s appropriated levels.

• Creating a new program, City Touring Roads, which is funded at $100 million. Distribution from this program will be based on the centerline miles of non-state highway roads in municipalities, and will be dedicated to cities, towns and villages. Recipients of funds will include NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, among many others.

• Adding $50 million in PAVE-NY funds, bringing the total investment to $150 million to be distributed to counties, cities, towns, and villages. This is a 50% increase over the previous budget’s appropriated levels.

“This deal represents the most comprehensive infrastructure agenda this state has seen in years, and I’m proud of the vision that we’ve brought to fruition. Over the course of these negotiations and during my time as Chair of the New York State Senate Transportation Committee, I have worked with my colleagues to increase investment in our state’s deteriorating infrastructure, and in this budget, we are finally seeing the results of that effort,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “As we continue to rebuild our economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that sound infrastructure will play a vital role. While New York’s recovery will absolutely depend upon federal investment, today’s capital bill undoubtedly advances our state’s infrastructure priorities, and creates a framework for further funding down the road. This investment is one of the most ambitious investments in transportation that this state has seen in years, and would not have been possible without the unwavering leadership and support of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Thanks to her advocacy, diligence, and strength, New York is truly poised to build back better.”