Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) held a press conference on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Town of Herkimer Highway Department to call on the governor to increase CHIPS funding during this year’s budget cycle. Smullen was joined by other state legislators as well as local legislators and transportation leaders in the community all committed to conveying one very important message to the state: local roads are essential. Speakers and attendees included:

Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,C-New Hartford);

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon;

Representing Sen. Mark Walczyk, Sidney Wheeler;

Members of the Herkimer County Legislature;

Bob Hollum – Chairman

Peter Campione – Chairman, Committee on Highways

Rodney Swartz – Legislator and Member, Committee on Highways

Greg Malta – Legislator

Bob Schrader – Legislator

Kelly Wares – Legislator

Cynthia Bennett – Legislator

Tracy Eldridge, Hamilton County Department of Public Works Superintendent;

Representatives from the Association of Highway Superintendents;

Highway superintendents, Department of Public Works superintendents and staff in attendance from Fulton, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery and Oneida Counties

Representatives from cities, towns and villages within the 118^th Assembly District;

City and town mayors, town supervisors and staff in attendance from Fulton, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery and Oneida Counties

Dan Stalteri, Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Herkimer;

Ken Ward, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Herkimer;

Krystal Moore, Town Clerk for the Town of Herkimer;

Jodi Rivers, Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Herkimer;

Mayor Deborah Kaufman of the City of Little Falls;

Dan Casler, Supervisor for the Town of Little Falls;

Don Cotton, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Little Falls;

Mayor Dana Sherry of the Village of Herkimer;

Justin Cristman, Department of Public Works Superintendent for the Village of Herkimer;

Peter Rovazzi III, Supervisor for the Town of German Flatts;

Carmen Newtown, Highway Superintendent for the Town of German Flatts;

Village of Herkimer Department of Public Works staff;

Vic Saugh, Mark Sommer, Brad Gay, Nick Petucci and Kyle Kovac

Joe Hanifin, Town of Minden Highway Superintendent;

Bill Holvig, Town of Mohawk Highway Superintendent; and

John Polenski, Jr., Town of Ephratah Highway Superintendent.

“CHIPS funding is a vital part of Upstate New York’s share of state transportation funding,” said Smullen. “Without CHIPS, our roads, bridges and culverts would be neglected, creating hazardous, unsafe conditions for commuters, first responders, school buses and businesses reliant on properly maintained infrastructure. As a strong advocate for rural equity and the needs of residents living in upstate New York, it’s very important to me that our highway workers are supported and our roads are properly maintained—both these goals require necessary funding from the state budget.

“It is critical that an additional $250 million be added to the 2025-26 budget for local highway programs like CHIPS. Without this increase in funding, local governments and municipalities will continue to struggle to address budgetary demands in the face of the state-imposed property tax cap, rising pension, health care and highway construction costs and unfunded state mandates like the zero-emission school bus mandate. We must have the backs of New York taxpayers and fight for funding that will ultimately promote development in our communities, create more job opportunities and improve rural equity statewide,” concluded Smullen.

“Our local roads and bridges are the backbone of our communities, yet municipalities are facing a massive funding shortfall,” said Assemblyman Brian Miller. “New York’s local governments maintain nearly 87% of our roads, and without increased CHIPS funding, they will struggle to keep them safe and reliable. As the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation, investing in our infrastructure is not just about maintenance—it’s about protecting residents and strengthening our economy. I want to thank Assemblyman Smullen and the Town of Herkimer for hosting this important press conference and for their commitment to advocating for our local roads.”

“As we continue to face the challenges of maintaining and improving our infrastructure, it is critical that the state prioritizes CHIPS funding to support our local municipalities,” said Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. “Investing in our roads, bridges and culverts is not just about transportation; it’s about safety, economic stability and the quality of life for our residents. Reliable infrastructure ensures that first responders can reach those in need, businesses can operate efficiently and families can travel safely. I stand with my colleagues in calling for increased CHIPS funding to provide our communities with the resources they need to keep our roads safe and our economy moving forward.”

“”You can’t get to work or the grocery store without driving down a locally maintained road,” said Sen. Mark Walczyk. “52% of the bridges and 48% of the lane miles in New York are owned and maintained by our local governments – they’re essential! I want to extend my gratitude to Assemblyman Smullen for his continued advocacy on this critical issue. It’s time to fund CHIPS!”

“Communities across the state rely on the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), Extreme Weather Recovery (EWR) and other infrastructure improvement programs to help them make critical investments to their roads, bridges and other infrastructure,” Sen. Griffo said. “As we move through the budget process and as a member of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, I will continue to stand up and fight for parity in transportation funding across New York.”