Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) announced the 2013-14 state budget includes nearly $13.7 million for all municipalities within Westchester County for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), a more than 20-percent increase from last year.

"The increase in CHIPs funding provides a much-needed investment in Westchester's aging infrastructure and it gives the local economy a boost by supporting good-paying, local jobs," Assemblyman Buchwald said. "This is exactly the sort of smart planning we need in order to lift some of the financial burden from municipalities, at the same time as maintaining the safety and reliability of roads and bridges that Westchester families and businesses use every day."

The money will go directly to municipalities to be used to repair dilapidated roads, highways and bridges as needed. This is the first increase in funding for this program in five years and is critically important to maintain safe travel and transportation of goods and services, Assemblyman Buchwald noted.

"This Budget is about jobs, jobs, jobs, and by investing in rebuilding our state's transportation infrastructure we are helping to grow local economies and create jobs in all corners of the state," Governor Cuomo said. "During these difficult fiscal times, this $75 million increase in CHIPs funding is a big victory for our state's localities that will be able to use these much-needed funds to make repairs to local highways, bridges, and roads, and at the same time support job growth and economic development in their communities. I commend the members of the Legislature that worked hard to ensure that these funds are included in our state budget."

A full breakdown of CHIPS funding is available here: www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/CHIPS-Funding-Breakdown.pdf