On Wednesday, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I,Ref-Ballston) joined her Assembly colleagues and highway workers from across the state to rally for increased infrastructure funding. The “Local Roads Matter” rally is an annual gathering to support New York State’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

“CHIPS funding is critical to so many communities across the state, and ensuring that upstate receives its fair share is of the utmost importance,” said Walsh. “Infrastructure in general is a costly issue, and many localities rely on funding from the state for the upkeep of roads, pipes and bridges. Our families also rely on this funding because it provides parents the peace of mind that their children are safe once they step on the school bus in the morning each day. Programs like CHIPS and the recently-introduced Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program (S.W.A.P.) continue to be at the top of my list during the ongoing budget negotiations.”

“It’s vital that the state continues investing in our aging infrastructure,” said Dahn Bull, Clifton Park Highway Superintendent. “While the upkeep of infrastructure isn’t going to make headlines, you will know it when it fails. We must stay extra vigilant and be proactive in infrastructure management.”

“As one of her former colleagues at the town level, I know firsthand that Assemblywoman Walsh has the experience and knowledge necessary to be our voice in Albany,” said Joe Whalen, Town of Ballston Highway Superintendent. “In order to appropriately maintain and improve our local infrastructure it is absolutely essential to secure a $150 million increase for CHIPS funding and an additional $50 million in BRIDGE NY funding this year.”

“Investment in infrastructure means more than just smooth roads,” said Thomas Coppola, Glenville Highway Superintendent. “Investment means jobs for our local economy and safe roads and bridges for our families. The sheer number of people who attended the CHIPS rally in Albany today illustrates how important an issue this is for so many across the state.”