Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that the Assembly’s budget proposal provides vital funding for repairs to local roads and bridges to help spur economic development opportunity across Central New York.

“The key to the success of our economy starts with a strong investment in our community,” said Stirpe. “That’s why I’m committed to providing reliable transportation for our families and businesses as well as fixing our crumbling infrastructure.”

The Assembly budget proposal provides $208 million in operating assistance for upstate transit systems, an increase of $15 million over the governor’s budget proposal, and an additional $200 million over four years for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), for total funding of $488 million for 2016-17. Furthermore, the budget proposal includes $55 million for projects at airports throughout the state, including Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

“Investing in public transportation and infrastructure will help ensure our families have the means to get to their jobs and around the community safely and affordably,” said Stirpe.