Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport) supported colleagues from across the aisle in the Well of the Legislative Office Building today to urge the Governor to include an additional $250 million in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding in this year’s state budget.

Brown said the increased investment is critical for communities on Long Island, where heavy traffic volume, coastal weather conditions and rising material costs are accelerating wear and tear on local roads.

“Long Island drivers already face some of the highest costs of living in the country. The last thing families need is crumbling roads and higher local taxes because Albany failed to properly fund infrastructure,” Brown said. “If we’re serious about affordability and public safety, we need to strengthen CHIPS funding now.”

CHIPS provides direct state aid to towns and villages for road and bridge maintenance. According to local highway officials, the cost of asphalt, concrete and fuel has surged in recent years, stretching municipal budgets thin and forcing difficult choices between delaying repairs or increasing property taxes.

Brown emphasized that proactive investment saves taxpayers money in the long run.

“It’s far less expensive to maintain a road than to completely reconstruct it,” Brown said. “By increasing CHIPS funding by $250 million, we can help local governments stay ahead of costly deterioration, improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, and protect taxpayers from bigger bills down the line.”

Brown added that infrastructure reliability is essential not only for residents’ daily commutes, but also for supporting small businesses and ensuring first responders can reach emergencies without delay.

“Our roads are the foundation of our local economy and our public safety network,” Brown said. “This is a practical, commonsense investment that delivers real value to Long Island communities.”

He pledged to continue advocating for the funding increase as budget negotiations move forward in Albany.