Syracuse Sun

New York's roads and bridges have been neglected for years, according to the Assembly Minority Conference. They are urging the governor and legislative allies to commit to funding infrastructure needs. The state's infrastructure ranks 45th in the nation, as reported by the Reason Foundation’s 28th Annual Highway Report.

The governor's budget proposal maintains flat funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), which affects local road infrastructure. Critics argue this neglects rising construction costs and worsening conditions.

Assembly and Senate minority conference members have written to the governor seeking an increase of $250 million in base CHIPS funding, totaling $848 million. They also call for consolidation of local road assistance programs and restructuring of bidding processes.

The governor proposed an additional $800 million for the Department of Transportation’s CORE Road and Bridge Program. However, critics say more investment is needed for New York to remain competitive as a business and tourism destination. The Assembly Minority Conference emphasizes that economic success relies on strategic planning and investments, which they claim are not prioritized in the current plan.