ALBANY – Assemblyman Gary Finch (R,C,I-Springport) is urging state legislators to fund infrastructure projects before deteriorating roads and bridges in the area get any worse.
On Wednesday, Finch stood alongside a bipartisan group legislators from the Senate and Assembly to issue a call for additional funding needed to revitalize upstate’s deteriorating infrastructure.
Finch said the issue of funding parity isn’t just a matter of equity and fairness between Upstate and Downstate, but a matter of safety for everyone.
“We have a lot of work to do, and we’re fighting for the funding to get it done right,” Finch stated. “We want our children traveling to school over sound bridges and on safe roads. It is so important.”
Finch additionally stressed the need for transportation funding parity, saying that the Department of Transportation Capital Plan ought to equal the $26 billion that’s been allocated to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Advocates are calling for a $250 million increase in the enacted budget for Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). They’re also seeking $600 million over four years for a critical local bridge program – all of which would have a tremendous impact on local infrastructure.
“It is fiscally responsible to fix our local roads and bridges now before they deteriorate further and repairs become more costly,” Finch said. “Nearly half of all miles traveled statewide are driven on roads maintained by our hardworking local and county highway officials. The next time you’re driving over a bridge, ask yourself if maintenance is an expense you think we should spare.”