During a joint budget hearing on transportation today in Albany, Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) questioned Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Matthew Driscoll on a variety of topics, including the status of New York’s deteriorating bridges, the timetable on repairs for the Wantagh and JFK Parkways and the lack of proposed funding for Nassau County that would devastate its public transportation system.

“I am concerned that the dangerous conditions of the Wantagh and JFK Parkways are not being addressed, and projects are continually behind schedule,” McDonough said. “Thousands of Long Islanders use these routes daily and it is dangerous to continue to subject them to these sub-standard driving conditions. Furthermore, at least half of our bridges are in poor condition and that is literally a life and death matter. It is crucial that we address these concerns moving forward and work with the governor and DOT to start these projects this year.”

McDonough, the Assembly Minority Ranker on the Assembly’s Transportation Committee, has fought for increased funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and to address dangerous sections of the Southern State Parkway dubbed ‘Blood Alley’.

“I am alarmed to see that the governor has proposed no increase for local public transportation funding here in Nassau County,” McDonough said. “That would be absolutely devastating for our most needy riders who rely on a wide array of bus routes to travel to and from work and around the community. Bus routes would undoubtedly be cut if funding remained flat, and I will fight to make sure that doesn’t happen this year.”