Transportation Chair Cooney Reacts to Governor Hochul's FY26 Executive Budget

(ALBANY, NY) - Today Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, gave his reaction to Governor Hochul’s FY26 Executive Budget. 

NYSDOT Capital Plan - “Governor Hochul has delivered big for transit infrastructure in regions across New York State. We are continuing our commitment to largescale infrastructure projects that will increase the efficiency and connectivity of communities. From I-81 in Syracuse, the Livingston Avenue Bridge in Albany, and the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo, to the conversion of Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties and improvements at the Oakdale Merge in Suffolk County, New Yorkers can rest easy knowing that we will continue to devote the resources needed to make these vital projects a reality. 

“With the proposed $6.9 billion included for the fourth year of the DOT’s five-year capital plan, an $800 million increase, we will be focusing not only on projects like these, but also the routine maintenance of our local roads and bridges to promote resiliency and safety across our state’s transit network.”

Public Transit - “Public transit is how we promote equity and break down barriers to transportation for New Yorkers without access to a car. While I'm pleased to see the Governor support a 3.4% increase in aid for upstate transit systems, I believe we should think bigger and bolder about how we support these systems moving forward. Still, it’s a good starting point.

“That includes additional dollars to promote workforce equity. With companies like Micron expanding into our rural suburbs, it’s vital that we bring workers from our inner cities to these new job opportunities. That’s why I’m calling for new dedicated funding to allow transit systems to create direct lines to large employers and make public  transport a key piece of our state’s economic development.” 

MTA Capital Plan - “I know that both Governor Hochul and I remain committed to fully funding the MTA, creating the kind of transportation system that the millions of New Yorkers who rely on their services every day deserve. This is needed not just for passengers downstate, but also for upstate manufacturers and their workers. The MTA capital plan calls for over 1,500 new rail cars and buses, work that could go to upstate companies, like Alstom in Hornell and BAE in Binghamton. I will be continuing my conversations with my colleagues in the legislature and the Governor about how we deliver this funding and allow the MTA to follow-through on their much needed projects.” 

Senator Cooney’s Policy Priorities - “Transportation is also about safety. Governor Hochul included two key priorities of mine in her Executive Budget to keep highway workers and drivers safe. The first is her support of my bill (S9782) to increase assault protections for highway workers, making sure those who work every day to keep our roads safe are kept safe themselves while on the job. 

“I am also pleased to support the Governor’s plan to close our drugged driving loophole. I have a bill (S2214) that would amend the definition of a drug, making it easier for law enforcement to enforce restrictions on impaired driving. I look forward to working with the Governor to make these bills a reality and keep New Yorkers safe on their way from Point A to Point B.” 

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