Today, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) attended a bipartisan press conference with hundreds of local government representatives to advocate for additional funding for road and bridge repair in the coming budget. Brabenec highlighted the critical nature of the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), especially after such a long, harsh winter. CHIPS provides the majority of state aid to localities for the upkeep and improvement of local roads and bridges.

“It is imperative to the well-being of our loved ones that our roads are always in optimal shape,” said Brabenec. “It’s no secret that the people of the Hudson Valley pay an inordinate amount in taxes. That investment should yield direct results in an improvement in our state infrastructure. Properly funding CHIPS will provide a boost to the economy by creating jobs in construction and facilitating transportation for consumers.”

Legislators are calling for a $200 million increase in this year’s CHIPS funding, to bring the total to $638.1 million in the 2015-16 State Budget. In addition, they are advocating for the creation of a new five-year, $500 million “State Aid to Local Bridges and Culverts Program.” According to a recent report from the state Comptroller’s office, 32 percent of bridges are deficient and 40 percent of roads are rated fair or poor and getting worse.

Editor’s Note: Click Here for video of Assemblyman Brabenec’s comments.