Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) joined fellow representatives to commence the crucial paving of Route 52 in the Town of Kent. As an active member of the Assembly's Transportation Committee, Slater remained dedicated to prioritizing significant infrastructure projects throughout the 94th Assembly District and being able to deliver $3.6 million towards this project.

This project aims to extend from Fowler Ave. in the Town of Carmel to a point just beyond the intersection with State Route 311 in the Town of Kent. Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has outlined plans to address the repair of stormwater catch basins making State Route 52 the first step in a broader investment in infrastructure. These initiatives signify a collective effort to improve the region’s transportation network and enhance its resilience to weather-related challenges.

In 2022 Assemblyman Slater led a coalition of elected officials from the region who passionately appealed to the New York State authorities, urging them to take swift action in addressing critical road improvements on Route 52 (click here). Additionally it was testified on behalf of the Rebuild NY Coalition regarding the state’s transportation budget that the Hudson Valley was among the worst conditioned roads in New York State with more than 60% of its pavements in fair or poor condition.

“When I first introduced myself to the community of Kent it was clear that paving Route 52 needed to be a priority after years of neglect by New York State. Today I was proud to join a bipartisan group of government partners to announce that the paving of Route 52 from Fowler Ave to Rte. 311 is underway thanks to a $3.6 million investment by New York State. I will continue to be a strong voice for additional state investments in the Hudson Valley to address our outdated infrastructure needs.” said Slater.

“Our residents and other motorists deserve roadways that are safe and drivable. We received many complaints about Route 52, so I am pleased that it is finally being reconditioned and paved. Our state roads are vital to our state and local economy—they link our municipalities and connect to larger highways; and they are essential to businesses for moving goods and services. I appreciate the efforts of Assemblyman Slater and our local officials in advocating for this important roadway infrastructure project,” said Sen. Harckham.

“I want to thank Assemblyman Slater and Senator Harckham for their leadership and their commitment to serving the people of their district. It is so important in government whether at the federal level, state level or local level to make sure that the use of taxpayer money is done in a way that prioritizes critical projects. State roads are the lifeblood of our economies, and you can look at any state road and see how much commerce is going on, whether it’s industrial, commercial or residential. So having these roads function the way they’re supposed to is critical,” said Rep. Mike Lawler.

“I remember being here almost a year ago in the same exact location highlighting the urgent need to repair this state roadway. In Putnam County, we are extremely reliant on state infrastructure and we need to make sure that our representatives speak up and Assemblyman Slater and Sen. Harckham certainly have and their voices have been heard,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne.