Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) joined state lawmakers today at the State Capitol to rally for an increase in funding for programs that support local infrastructure, including the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), Extreme Winter Recovery, PAVE-NY, and Bridge-NY. Byrnes recently participated in a rally with highway workers from Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne counties as well as Senators and Assembly members from the Finger Lakes region.

“With the cost of gas skyrocketing and pothole season upon us, people are concerned. Just one blown tire could have a substantial impact on an entire family,” said Byrnes. “So many people are struggling with the costs of inflation and living paycheck-to-paycheck. Driving for work, to get groceries, to go to medical appointments, to pick up your kids – it’s essential. Our roads are essential. And we need Albany to treat this funding as essential as well.”

Byrnes said she would like to see funding for infrastructure in upstate and rural communities match the investment that is being made in downstate communities. Not only because she believes the state has an obligation to represent all New Yorkers equally, but because the needs of rural communities, particularly when it comes to infrastructure, have lagged for far too long.

She said, “All of the big, expensive vanity projects may sound nice. But what would make a real difference for all New Yorkers is improving the roads and bridges they traverse daily. Rural areas matter too. I hope this year Gov. Hochul will hear us, stay true to her roots over special interests, and help ensure the final budget shows that.”