Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) joined her colleagues, industry leaders, highway superintendents and advocates calling on Gov. Hochul to boost funding for local roads, bridges and culverts in the final budget due April 1. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is calling on the governor to boost base funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) by $200 million for a new total of $738 million and increase funding for the Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR) fund by $70 million for a new total of $170 million.

“Gov. Hochul has proposed the largest budget in state history,” said Walsh. “With this said, she has proposed flat funding for key transportation programs like CHIPS and EWR. Instead of raising the film tax credit, the governor should be offering our local elected officials and highway superintendents an increase in funding to combat soaring construction inflation. Our local governments are responsible for the care and upkeep of 87% of New York roads. Here in Albany we must be proactive, not reactive, to the continued crumbling and deterioration of our roadways.”