Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref-Meco) today voiced his support for increased funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) at an annual rally. Hosted by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), the CHIPS rally brought legislators and state highway employees together during “Local Roads Matter” week in Albany.

In the governor’s Executive Budget, CHIPS funding will be maintained at $438.1 million for the current fiscal year. However, the proposed budget cuts the $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funds that provide assistance in repairing roads after winter damage. Smullen is calling for a $150 million budget increase and full restoration of Extreme Winter Recovery funding.

“Local roads do matter,” Smullen said after the rally. “Year after year, necessary funding for infrastructure remains stagnant. As a representative for a largely rural district, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles local municipalities incur to repair roads with little help from the state, especially after a hard winter. I encourage my fellow upstate colleagues to continue advocating for more CHIPS funding.”