Crucial funding to support local highway improvements has been included in the recently adopted 2015–16 state budget, including a pothole fund, according to State Senator James L. Seward.
The 2015-16 state budget makes a record investment of $488 million to support local highway, road, and bridge repair projects including $438 million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding.
The state budget also includes $50 million in new capital funds to help localities pay for repairs related to the severe winter weather.
For a second consecutive year, a special ‘pothole fund’ is included.
These funds will be used in making road repairs this spring, Seward said.
“After a brutal winter rife with added costs for salt, snow removal, and overtime many municipalities have been left with budget gaps. This extra capital funding will help crews patch up roads, without completely depleting their budget reserves or forcing them to abandon other highway improvement projects,” he said.
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.
“The added state funding meets key transportation needs…at a cost taxpayers can afford. Continued, consistent state support is critical to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality,” Seward said.
