Assemblyman Boyland: State Budget Keeps State and Local Transportation Projects Rolling

March 31, 2009

Assemblyman William Boyland Jr. (D-Kings) announced that despite the historic economic crisis, the 2009-2010 state budget maintains funding for several crucial transportation priorities and transit infrastructure projects.

“Every day, residents rely on New York’s roadways, railways, public transportation, ports and aviation systems, so the efficiency and safety of these systems is a major priority. The critical funding included in the state budget will help ensure that New York’s transportation infrastructure is operating at its full potential,” Assemblyman Boyland said.

The budget restores transportation funding by $20 million over the executive’s proposal of $7.1 billion, including 68 percent of the cuts to all upstate and non-MTA downstate transit systems. The spending plan also includes a full restoration of multi-modal funding ($100 million).

In addition, $112 million more than the executive’s plan will go to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), which assists localities in financing construction, reconstruction or improvement of local highways and bridges. This critical funding helps local governments – including New York City – by restoring the program to last year’s level, $363.1 million.

Assemblyman Boyland added that the budget includes $39.7 million for the Marchiselli Program, otherwise known as the Municipal Streets and Highway Program, to provide municipalities with state funds to draw down federal matching grants for local highway and bridge projects. In addition, the plan boosts spending on snow and ice removal and preventive maintenance by $61.8 million.

“Though these tough economic times require difficult decisions, we must remain responsible. We need to ensure important transportation projects remain funded,” Assemblyman Boyland said.

$4.74 billion in federal stimulus funding

The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide additional funding for transportation infrastructure projects in the state. The federal stimulus money will be quickly utilized for necessary improvements to highways and bridges, while providing employment to many in our community who have lost their jobs.

“These economic recovery dollars will be put to good use to repair and maintain our transportation infrastructure and transit systems and to help ensure their safety and reliability throughout our state,” Assemblyman Boyland said. “These transportation projects will also help provide jobs to many struggling New Yorkers.”

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