The annual “Local Roads Are Essential” advocacy campaign is set to return to Albany on March 5 and 6, aiming to push for an increase in the final budget for transportation aid. Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush’s (R,C-Black River) office joined Assemblyman Scott Gray
(R-Watertown) at the Jefferson County Highway Department Barn to denounce the reductions and inadequate funding for transportation aid within Gov. Hochul's alarming $230 billion executive budget proposal. Her proposal removes $60 million from the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and $40 million from State Touring Routes. The office of Sen. Mark Walczyk, local highway superintendents, and local leaders stressed the importance of CHIPS in alleviating the high cost of road maintenance from local communities.

“Investing in our roads is investing in our future. Roads play a vital role in my district, particularly in rural communities. Adequate funding is crucial for maintaining transportation infrastructure, ensuring the safety and efficiency of our road networks,” said Blankenbush.

The pressing issue is highlighted by the $89 billion in unmet local infrastructure needs projected over the next two decades, which underscores the urgency of increased investment in local infrastructure. Furthermore, the impact of inflation on highway construction costs has surged by 58.6% over the past 2.5 years, adding to the challenges faced by the transportation sector and local communities. Cuts to transportation funding may impede crucial road maintenance and infrastructure projects.

“Thank you to Assemblyman Gray for hosting this press conference and those who spoke. I travel our local roads and know how vital they are to our community. My office has and will continue to meet with our county highway departments to ensure they know CHIPS is a top priority for me and the Minority Conference,” said Blankenbush. “I look forward to joining the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association once again at their advocacy day in Albany to represent Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties in the call for an increase in funding.”