Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today met with highway superintendents to push for more funding to repair local roads. Blankenbush is calling for an additional $50 million to be added to the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs).

“New York needs to provide funding to repair our crumbling local roads, bridges and culverts. Our highway superintendents are doing their best, but our local roads are under funded by the state,” said Blankenbush. “Last year, my legislative colleagues and I secured an additional $75 million for infrastructure improvements, and we hope to replicate that success again this year by securing another $50 million. Ensuring our roads are in top condition is not only an investment in our communities, but will also help them attract and retain businesses.”

Blankenbush was one of 73 Assembly members who signed a letter to the governor and legislative leaders advocating for an additional $50 million to be added to CHIPs. The effort, although spearheaded by the Assembly Minority, has broad bipartisan support. Additionally, 23 senators have signed on to the proposal.

Blankenbush and his colleagues added $75 million to CHIPs in the Enacted 2013-14 budget. Local governments are charged with maintaining 87 percent of roads in New York and half of the state’s 18,000 bridges. Reports show that nearly a third of bridges and 40 percent of roads are rated fair to poor in the state. With limited funding, especially recent losses in federal funding, these conditions continue to worsen.

“It is incredibly important that we keep our roads safe for New Yorkers, and we must properly assist our local communities in this effort,” concluded Blankenbush.