Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, in an opinion piece published on Syracuse.com, emphasized the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure for the overall well-being and economic prosperity of New York. Walsh, speaking on behalf of the New York Conference of Mayors, highlighted the impact of seasonal changes on roads and the necessity of continuous investment.

Highlighting the essential nature of transportation systems, Mayor Walsh pointed out, "As we make the transition from winter to spring, the impact of snow, ice and the freeze-thaw cycle on our roads is a painful reminder of the need for year-round investment in our infrastructure." He stressed the critical role transportation infrastructure plays in public safety, access to services, and economic growth, connecting people and facilitating the movement of goods and services.

Walsh also underlined the economic significance of well-maintained highways, stating, "Our highways are also the backbone of New York’s economic vitality, linking businesses and individuals, connecting urban centers to rural areas, and moving people from one place to another." He called for additional funding to highway infrastructure programs like CHIPS to address repair backlogs and ensure sufficient resources for maintenance and capital investments.

In conclusion, Mayor Walsh reiterated the importance of prioritizing infrastructure investment, stating, "Safe, reliable and well-maintained roads and highways are critical to unlocking the full economic potential of New York." He urged state leaders to increase financial commitments to local highway infrastructure, emphasizing that such investments are not just in concrete and asphalt but also in paving the way for a more prosperous New York.