As Winter Weather Approaches, Senator Webb Highlights Historic Funding for Southern Tier Roadways

(Southern Tier, New York) As the temperature drops and winter weather increases, Senator Lea Webb (SD52) is proud to have secured historic funds in the FY 2024 State Budget for rural roadway maintenance and infrastructure improvements. These budget resources included over $20 million for local street and highway improvement, $3 million in extreme winter recovery funding, over $2 million to repair potholes, and over $6 million in touring routes funding to go towards the maintenance and repair of local roads, bridges, railroad crossings, and highways. This represents an over 10% increase in total funding over last year, a significant gain for the region since it began being represented by Senator Webb. 

Specifically this week, Senator Webb also announced millions in additional roadway repaving and resiliency enhancements, including the following:

• $8.1 million to resurface significant portions of  Route 13/34/96 (Meadow and Fulton Street) in the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County.
• $1.4 million to resurface Route 26 from the Village of Whitney Point to Overlook Drive in the Town of Triangle, Broome County.
• $501,000 to resurface Route 26 from 0.4 miles south of Payne Road to the Maine Memorial School in the Towns of Union and Maine, Broome County. 

Senator Lea Webb said, “Our highways, roads and bridges are crucial for connecting rural families across the Southern Tier. We all know the frustration of hitting potholes and taking detours, and the importance of arriving at our destination safely. With this historic state funding, our community will have a significantly smoother and safer ride. I am proud to have secured these resources for our region, and will always fight for improvements to our critical infrastructure.”

Charles Sudbrink, Cortland County Superintendent of Highways, said, “Safety for the traveling public is our highest priority. With the rising costs of equipment and materials, this extra funding is vital for Cortland County to ensure the proper maintenance and repair of our infrastructure.”

Chet Kupiec, Broome County Deputy Commissioner, said, “Thank you to Senator Webb, Governor Hochul, and all involved in awarding these monies to our Southern Tier Communities. This award will have a considerable impact on our roadway maintenance improvements, which will assist Broome County in its overall goal of improving roadways in our region.”

Jeffrey Smith, Tompkins County Highway Director, said “With the current freeze/thaw cycle common in present weather patterns, the timing of this funding could not be better. Receiving this critical funding to maintain Southern Tier Roadways positively impacts every village/city/town and county roadway.” 

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