NEWS
Seward Paves Way For Additional Highway Funding
ALBANY, 03/05/14 -- On Wednesday afternoon State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) joined senate colleagues to call on Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders to increase state funding for local highway improvements.
“Local roads, bridges, and culverts are the backbone of our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Seward. “We need a comprehensive strategy, along with state funding, to improve these key transportation components to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality.”
Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.
Senator Seward was one of a dozen senators to sign a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders calling for:
- A $50 million increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding in the 2014-15 budget;
- Creation of a dedicated $200 million “State Aid to Local Bridges and Culverts Program” to address local priorities.
Senator Seward was joined by county and town highway superintendents from across New York at a Capitol news conference announcing the call for additional state funding.
“Last year I was able to help secure an additional $75 million in CHIPs funding, the first increase to the program in five years. The added funding helps the dedicated men and women who maintain our local roads do so at a cost taxpayers can afford. Continued, consistent state support is critical,”Seward concluded.