Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R,C,I-Clarence) joined a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, local officials and organizations today at a press conference calling for increased funding for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs).
“There is a direct correlation between the success of our local economy and the condition of our roads and bridges. We need to make infrastructure improvements in order to allow for increased commerce and safer roadway conditions for our citizens,” said Corwin. “We need to increase CHIPs funding.”
CHIPs provides funding for localities to make improvements and repairs to local roads and bridges. The program has not seen a funding increase since 2008, despite the increasing need for roadway and bridge improvements. In fact, a recent report by the state comptroller found that 40 percent of local roads are in fair to poor condition or worse, and 32 percent of bridges are deficient.
In the Executive Budget, the governor proposed $363.1 million for CHIPs. The coalition, which, to date, has grown to more than four dozen state lawmakers, is calling for an increase of $100 million. The increased funding is also supported by local officials and organizations including NYS County Highway Superintendents Association, NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, NYS Association of Counties, New York Conference of Mayors, and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.
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