Today, Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,C–New Hartford), Sen. Peter Oberacker (R,C–Schenevus) and their fellow lawmakers joined local highway superintendents to call for a $250 million increase in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding in the 2025-26 state budget.

During the press conference at the Oneonta Town Highway Building, legislators and municipal leaders stressed the critical need for additional resources to maintain local roads and bridges, which serve as vital infrastructure for both safety and economic growth. The data from the NYS Comptroller and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) study shows local governments need significantly more funding to maintain roads and bridges. Citing figures like the annual funding gap of $2.69 billion strengthens the case for a $250 million increase. Inflation has severely impacted the purchasing power of CHIPS funding, making it increasingly difficult for communities to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements.

“As the ranking Minority members on transportation in both houses, Sen. Oberacker and I are on the front lines advocating for the infrastructure funding our communities desperately need,” said Miller. “New York’s local governments maintain nearly 87% of the state’s roads, yet they face an annual funding gap of over $2.69 billion. Safe and reliable roads are not a luxury—they’re a necessity. Without increased CHIPS funding, municipalities will struggle to keep roads drivable and bridges secure. We need real investment in our local infrastructure to keep New Yorkers safe and our economy strong.”

 “Make no mistake–our roads and bridges in rural New York are crumbling,” said Oberacker. “This is not a reflection of the hardworking men and women who maintain them, but rather a direct result of Albany’s failure to grasp the true costs of maintaining these essential arteries for our communities.”

“We are not some forgotten backwater or mere drive-through towns. We are proud, resilient communities with hardworking families who depend on safe and reliable infrastructure. I proudly stand today with my colleagues, highway superintendents and local board members in demanding increased CHIPS funding. Our communities can no longer bear the weight of Albany’s negligent leadership,” Oberacker concluded.

“Once again, it requires all our voices to make Albany listen to the needs of rural communities. We’re demanding $250 million more than the governor has already indicated she is interested in dedicating to CHIPS because the health of our local roads and bridges is essential. Albany must be prepared to support the roads our kids use to go to school and the roads our rural workers use to get to their jobs; that is not a luxury but a necessity,” said Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie).

“CHIPS funding is a vital part of Upstate New York’s share of state transportation funding. Without CHIPS, our roads, bridges and culverts are neglected, creating hazardous conditions for commuters, first responders, school buses and businesses reliant on properly maintained infrastructure. Furthermore, ensuring rural equity requires that our towns, villages and small cities receive the necessary resources and funding. It is essential these communities are allocated support that reflects the number of roads and bridges they maintain. I support an increase in CHIPS funding to keep our infrastructure up-to-date statewide and promote community development in rural areas,” said Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks).

“Local roads and bridges are the essential lifeblood of state infrastructure, especially upstate, and they must be prioritized in the budget. The majority of roads and bridges in our state are maintained by local authorities, yet they are underfunded. Despite this, Gov. Hochul has not taken the proper steps to fully fund the vital CHIPS program,” said Assemblyman Joe Angelino (R,C-Norwich).

“Flat funding from one year to the next, especially in this economy, is effectively a cut. Rising costs for materials, labor and equipment mean our towns and counties are being asked to do more with less, and that is simply unsustainable. In Otsego County, well-maintained roads are not just essential for our residents’ daily lives—they are critical to our economy, supporting local businesses, agriculture and tourism. Albany must recognize that maintaining our infrastructure requires real investment, not just level funding that fails to keep up,” said Ed Frazier, Otsego County Board Chairman.

“With the proposed budget package of no increase of funding to the CHIPS program, local highway departments will have to choose what projects will not get completed due to the sharp increase in materials, trucking and placement of asphalt products due to inflation,” said Otsego County Highway Association Superintendents President Rodney Renwick.

With New York’s local roads handling a significant portion of the state’s traffic volume, legislators emphasized that sustained and enhanced investment is essential to prevent further deterioration and rising long-term costs. The proposed funding increase would help offset the impact of rising material and labor costs, ensuring communities across the state can continue providing safe and efficient transportation networks.

The lawmakers vowed to continue advocating for increased CHIPS funding as budget negotiations progress.

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