Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today joined several dozen highway superintendents at a press conference demanding increased funds for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). Over the last several months, Blankenbush has been calling on Albany officials to invest more funds to repair local infrastructure and to use a significant portion of the over $5 billion in bank settlement funds.

“It is an utter disgrace that the state has been ignoring the needs of upstate New York. Our roads and bridges are in such disrepair that more than 30 bridges in my district are currently closed,” said Blankenbush. “We all know the problem -- unfunded state mandates and other pressures make it a real challenge for our municipalities to maintain these important roadways. The state must invest more in CHIPS and use a significant portion of funding from the bank settlements for upstate bridge repair and replacement. There is nothing more critical to a community’s health and economic strength than infrastructure. New York State needs to step up.”

Blankenbush has been discussing this problem with the public and his legislative colleagues, especially during the budget process. Most of the proposals from the governor and other legislators have significantly more public funds diverted downstate to fund what Blankenbush terms “luxury wants” rather than addressing the critical needs of upstate. The governor has thrown in another curveball during this year’s budgeting process with his 30-day amendments to his budget proposal, which could potentially threaten the CHIPS program.

In total, there are over 30 closed bridges in the 117th Assembly District, 13 in St. Lawrence County. Additionally, weight limits have decreased on many upstate bridges, with over 19 such bridges in Lewis County alone. This does not include figures related to bridge-like structures or culverts.

Blankenbush recently wrote to the commissioner of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the governor to raise these concerns. He urged implementation of a solution to repair upstate’s aging and neglected infrastructure.

Editor’s note: Click here to view a copy of the letter.