Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) announced today that the 2014-15 state budget includes a new, one-time $40 million fund to the benefit of highway and transportation departments repairing of roads damaged by extreme winter weather.

“Many residents in Eastern Queens have contacted my office recently expressing concern about roads they drive on due to the harsh winter weather, including the Long Island Expressway which cuts through the middle of my district. I am pleased that we were able to provide additional funding to help improve the system people depend on every day.”

The $40 million fund is an addition to the $438.1 million committed by the state to its counties, cities, and localities through New York State’s Consolidated Local Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs). That program, now in its 33rd year, reimburses municipalities for local highway and bridge repairs.

In total, the final budget includes $3.7 billion in funds for capital improvement projects, which also includes aviation, rail, non-MTA transit and bus services.

Rozic added, “Potholes have been a pronounced problem this year because of a bitter winter and several severe storms. The budget also provides funding to fix potholes and resurfacing, and I encourage local residents that know of problematic potholes to report them to 311 and call my office.”