Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown), a member of the Assembly transportation committee, joined by fellow assemblymembers, local highway superintendents and highway workers, held a press conference today to highlight their advocacy for additional CHIPS funding, which entails crucial infrastructure investments in New York’s roads and bridges.

Year after year, Slater and his colleagues have diligently advocated in a bipartisan manner to bolster much-needed funding aimed at repairing local roads in the Hudson Valley region. However, the governor's proposal to reduce funding by $60 million could have a drastic impact on infrastructure. With the continual doubling of road repair costs and potential cuts to funding, local highway officials fear there will be no way to finance upcoming projects. Lawmakers are urging an increase in the funding cap from $350,000 to $1 million to efficiently address these much-needed improvement projects.

“The 2022 road conditions report revealed the Hudson Valley ranks among the regions with the worst roads in all of New York state. Rather than addressing this issue, the governor’s proposal entails further cuts,” said Slater. “Drawing from my experience as a former town supervisor, CHIPS funding is critical to the safety and quality of life in our communities. It is imperative not only to restore this funding but also to increase it and invest in our infrastructure.”

“Almost 90% of state roads and bridges are local, yet less than 12% of the taxes and fees paid to the state by those who use them go back to maintaining them. I hope the governor listens to everyone who spoke up today and makes the right decision to retract her proposal and actually increase funding,” said Somers Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito.

"Today, we stand united to ensure that Hudson Valley receives the support it needs through the CHIPS Program. Our local roads are the lifeblood of our communities, connecting us and facilitating essential daily activities. As we gather here with Highway and town officials from across the Hudson Valley, along with my esteemed colleagues, we are collectively urging for the restoration of $60 million to the CHIPS budget, matching last year's allocation. Additionally, we call for an additional $200 million to address the impacts of inflation on critical infrastructure projects,” said Assemblyman Anil Beephan (R,C-East Fishkill).

“With the rising cost of infrastructure projects, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS! We all took oaths to keep our residents’ safety as priority number one, so our state government shouldn’t be public enemy number one. Our roadways don’t know political lines, so we need to fight for every dollar to keep our infrastructure at its peak,” said Carmel Highway Superintendent Mike Stern.

“As Yorktown Highway superintendent, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense impact of adequate funding on our local roads, on the flip side I’ve witnessed what inadequate funding does, and it is a huge difference that can’t go unnoticed. I stand alongside Assemblyman Slater in advocating for the preservation and enhancement of our local roads and highways,” said Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli.

“Any reduction in funding sends a detrimental message, jeopardizing the well-being of our communities. These are hardworking people out here every day, and they don’t receive the funding they need to effectively carry out their duties. I appreciate everyone coming together today to advocate for increased funding of our local roads,” said Town of Southeast Highway Department Superintendent, Mike Burdick.

“Investing in local roads stimulates economic growth by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services, attracting investments and creating job opportunities. Neglecting funding for local roads can lead to deteriorating infrastructure, increased traffic congestion, higher maintenance costs and compromised safety. I am thankful to have advocates like Assemblyman Matt Slater push for this acknowledgment,” said Putnam Valley Highway Superintendent Shawn Keeler.

“These roads serve as the lifeline for daily commuters, commerce, emergency services and the overall connectivity of neighborhoods. Funding ensures that these roads remain safe, reliable and efficient, benefiting both residents and businesses,” said Putnam County Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas Feighery.