Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D – Mid-Hudson) announced that the 2013-14 New York State Budget includes a $75 million increase to rehabilitate roads and bridges as part of the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). This program provides funding directly to local governments to support repairs to highways, bridges and roads under their control. The increase is the first in five years for the program, giving it a total of $438 million.

“The CHIPS program boosts our local economy on two fronts: By improving critical infrastructure and by creating good-paying, local jobs,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “A healthy economy needs a strong network of roads and highways to transport people and products. At the same time, this funding is creating much-needed local jobs to support hard-working Mid-Hudson families.”

"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."

As a result of the increase, local governments throughout the mid-Hudson Valley and Capital regions will see significantly more CHIPS funding. Municipalities in Columbia County will see a total funding increase of $809,965.83 (up 23.4%), while municipalities in Dutchess County will see an increase of $1,284,457.52 (up 21.93%).

For a complete breakdown of CHIPS funding, please visit: http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/CHIPS-Funding-Breakdown.pdf