Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) attended a press conference today at the Warren County Public Works facility, alongside Assembly and Senate colleagues and local highway superintendents to call for increased state funding for local roads and bridges in the 2025-2026 state budget. The governor’s proposed budget is flat with the same $598 million allocation for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

“It’s obvious the governor’s proposal falls far short of meeting our needs. It simply will not get the job done, especially in Saratoga County where our growing population means our roads and infrastructure undergo even more wear and tear.”

Walsh and her legislative colleagues sent a letter to the governor highlighting the dire need for a greater investment in local roads, particularly as inflation continues to drive up construction costs, which has reduced the real value of the state’s funding programs for local governments. A recent study shows a need for an additional $2.69 billion annually to meet these demands. In addition to the governor’s proposal, the Assembly Minority are calling for another $250 million in the 2025-26 state budget to support CHIPS and to combat the effects of inflation. 

“Everything costs more these days, and the cost of highway maintenance and construction is no exception; the FHWA Highway Construction Cost Index showed a 70% increase in just three years. I cannot think of a more basic function of good government than providing for safe transportation throughout our state for constituents,” Walsh continued.

“The governor’s proposal is understandably just a starting point in the negotiation, but as a Western New York native, she is well aware of the extreme winter weather conditions bringing about deterioration on an already aging highway system. I urge that she and the majority make appropriate investments so our roads and bridges remain strong and safe.”