Here is a troubling fact: there are 30 closed local bridges within my Assembly District, with one county having at least 11 bridges closed. These closures have not only created hardships for residents, but they have also hindered economic development and job growth and create life-threatening obstacles for our emergency service personnel.

The problem of closed bridges within my district was created by a complex set of conditions. One, the cost of maintenance and repair has become exorbitantly high due to the increased costs of materials, fuel and labor. Two, local municipalities simply do not have the flexibility over their finances to invest in such rebuilds and repairs because the state imposes huge and expensive unfunded mandates. Three, years of financial neglect of upstate for the benefit of downstate has led to the crumbling of critically-important infrastructure.

Recently, the governor outlined what he is calling the “Opportunity Agenda.” I have been reviewing his plans and reading his budget proposal and have been left disappointed.

The state has come into a windfall of over $3 billion, which most agree should be used on one-shot investments for items critical to residents. The governor did propose such investments, but upstate was left in the shadows of heavy investment in downstate infrastructure projects. An absurd $1.3 billion of that money is being handed to the notoriously ill-managed Thruway Authority to halt toll increases for one year and to finance the New York City Tappan Zee Bridge, for which we still have not seen a financial plan. And let’s not forget the millions being spent on New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and airports. It is clear there is a disproportionate amount being spent on downstate luxury wants than the basic needs of upstate.

In fact, the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), an important program that assists many upstate municipalities, was kept at the same funding level as last year. I know how important CHIPs funding is to communities like ours; that’s why I’ve successfully fought for increases over the last several years. So much good could come from a serious commitment to investing in rural upstate roadways and bridges. It could revive the economy in an area that needs it the most.

Throughout the budget process, I will be vocal about this disparity, and I will work closely with my colleagues to increase funding for local roads and bridges. If the governor is sincere about creating opportunities for New Yorkers, this would be a tremendous place to start.

I welcome your thoughts on this or any other legislative topic. Please share them with me by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us, or by calling my office at 493-3909.