Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) joined Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) at the Halfmoon Highway Garage Friday morning to rally support to increase Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding. The governor’s proposed budget is set to reduce CHIPS funding by $60 million despite local governments maintaining nearly 87% of New York roads.

“The governor's proposal to reduce CHIPS funding by $60 million is shortsighted and fails to address the urgent needs of our local transportation systems. With a statewide funding gap of over $2.0 billion for highways outside New York City and inflation driving construction costs up by 58.6%, cutting essential funds is simply inadequate. Neglecting our infrastructure now will only exacerbate the $89 billion in unmet local needs over the next two decades, jeopardizing economic growth and public safety. This is a further insult to New York residents, given the governor's $2.4 billion allotted to the city’s migrant crisis. We must restore the $60 million cut to CHIPS and increase funding by $200 million to invest in our future and build thriving communities,” Simpson said.

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh stated, “The risk of a significant $60 million reduction in CHIPS funding is simply unacceptable as it provides the primary source of funding for local roads and bridges. New York is infamous for its poorly maintained roads, filled with potholes and often characterized by a challenging and deteriorating infrastructure that poses a substantial burden on both commuters and the overall quality of transportation. We all want to get to work, school, appointments and home to our loved ones safely, and we want our loved ones to get from point A to point B safely too. Poor road and bridge conditions in the state are costing drivers an extra $36.7 billion annually in increased vehicle operating costs, traffic accidents and congestion-related delays. It only makes sense to override this burden and address the problem at its source—by maintaining our roads.”