Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia), state Sen. Pam Helming (R,C,I-Canandaigua), a representative from state Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan’s (R,C-Elma) office, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester), Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I-Lyons), and highway departments from Livingston, Ontario and Wayne counties rallied today at the Canandaigua Town Highway Barns for an increase in state funding to support local roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Despite handing out increases to most downstate transportation programs in her executive budget, Gov. Hochul proposed no increase to the funding stream known as CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program).

“Our local roads matter. They matter for travel, helping to ensure people can get from point A to point B safely, but crumbling infrastructure itself can also be a hazard. Load roads matter to our economy in terms of ensuring consumer goods, food and supplies can get where they need to go on time,” said Byrnes. “These are vital concerns, particularly in more rural communities. Our roads, bridges and other infrastructure need routine maintenance as well as repairs. Gov. Hochul must increase funding for this program.”

Sen. Pam Helming said, “We must ensure our communities have the necessary resources to repair, improve, and maintain local roads, bridges and other infrastructure. These investments keep our roadways safe for all who use them, and support business development and economic growth in our region. I am proud to stand with our highway superintendents and my colleagues in the Legislature to advocate that this funding be a priority in the state budget. Thank you to our dedicated, hardworking highway crews for keeping our roads safe and our communities strong.”

“We all rely on local roads and bridges, and we expect them to be safe and reliable.Building and maintaining our highway system is not just a matter of public safety, it has a direct impact on business, tourism and economic development,” said Sen. Gallivan. “We need to ensure that there is adequate funding in this year’s state budget for infrastructure projects across New York and that those funds are distributed fairly.I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to increase funding for CHIPS to support important road projects throughout the region.”

“Fixing potholes and making our roads safer and more efficient to travel are the basics of government. I’m proud to stand with our local highway workers in calling for an increase in state aid for local roads through CHIPS, PAVE-NY, and our Emergency Winter Recovery programs,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. “Our roads are the backbone of our economy, and well-maintained roads help keep our supply chain moving and our grocery store shelves stocked. As almost 90 percent of all New York state roads are locally maintained, it is imperative that our state budget increase funds for local roads.”

The event is being held as a precursor to the annual advocacy event held in Albany at the State Capitol to coincide with the Joint Budget Hearing on Transportation. This year that hearing will be held completely virtually on Feb. 15 due to the ongoing pandemic (all budget hearings are being held virtually this year).