Buffalo Ledger

Apr 4 2024

Each year the Department of Transportation and local highway departments invest in maintaining safe roads and bridges, which is not only important to motorists and pedestrians, but vital to our economy. These sentiments were echoed by an unnamed source advocating for increased funding for transportation and infrastructure projects in the 2024-25 state budget.

The urgency for increased funding was emphasized as the source called upon colleagues in the NYS Legislature to not only restore but also boost funding for transportation programs. In particular, the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), a critical funding source for local roads and bridges, faces a proposed $60 million reduction under the governor's spending plan.

Highlighting the need for action, the source stressed, "New York must do better when it comes to our infrastructure." The state's ranking of 49th in the nation for its highway system, as reported by the Annual Highway Report from the Reason Foundation, underscores the pressing need for improvements in infrastructure.

Furthermore, the financial toll of deficient roads and bridges on New York motorists was unveiled, with an additional $36.7 billion annually in costs attributed to higher vehicle operating expenses, traffic accidents, and congestion-related delays, as revealed by TRIP, a national transportation advocacy group.

In conclusion, the state was urged to fulfill its obligation to ensure adequate and equitable funding for the construction and maintenance of a safe and efficient highway system. The plea for increased investment in infrastructure resonates not only for public safety and the economy but also for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.