Syracuse Sun

New York is facing a combination of high inflation and an extensive list of resiliency projects, which severely hinder efforts to modernize its infrastructure. According to the comptroller’s office, 10% of all local bridges in the state were rated “poor” last year. Additionally, the Reason Foundation’s 27th Annual Highway Report ranks New York's system at 49th in the nation.

The Assembly Minority Conference has long advocated for infrastructure investment. In 2019, it published a Task Force on Critical Infrastructure and Transportation report focusing on fortifying roads, bridges, and water systems. The conference continues to push for greater investment in these areas due to the high costs imposed on drivers by poor road conditions. However, during recent budget negotiations, the governor proposed cutting $60 million from the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

The Assembly Minority Conference has called for an increase in CHIPS base aid and future funding tied to inflation rates to address rising material costs. They also suggested establishing a companion program to CHIPS to provide financial assistance for drinking water, stormwater, and sewer infrastructure.

A significant part of New York’s problem lies in its sprawling budget that consumes vast resources without delivering tangible improvements. For instance, several billion dollars have been spent supporting undocumented migrants with another $2.4 billion earmarked in the latest spending plan. This additional spending strains finances amid severe infrastructure deficiencies and other cost-of-living challenges.

Despite these issues, there is still time to make necessary adjustments. Properly balancing resource distribution is crucial as improving roads and bridges will be expensive but essential for future economic success. A resilient transportation network is vital for a functioning economy; however, current leadership appears reluctant to commit fully to these necessary changes.