Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) began his highway infrastructure tour today to learn more about the North Country’s infrastructure needs and help keep drivers safe.

“Investing in infrastructure doesn’t just mean repairing old roads and building new bridges,” Jones said. “It’s an investment in our local economy and, most importantly, in the safety of North Country families. By heading out to local road work sites throughout the summer, I’m hoping to learn more about how we can help the hardworking men and women who maintain our roads and see what needs to be done to improve our commutes.”

Jones started his tour today with Beekmantown Town Supervisor Sam Dyer and Highway Superintendent Roger Perry, followed by rides with Schuyler Falls Town Supervisor Rick Pottiker and Highway Superintendent John Rock and Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman, Deputy Town Supervisor Meg Lefevre and Highway Superintendent Tim Dubrey. He toured many of the local roads that need repairs and met with highway crews to hear their concerns firsthand. Jones also hosted a roundtable discussion to discuss the needs of the municipalities.

Among many duties, the departments are responsible for repairing pavement, improving drainage systems, upgrading traffic signs and signals, removing litter and debris and ensuring road conditions are safe.[1]

Jones noted that these were the first of many stops he’ll be making this week. He will hold similar ride-alongs and roundtable discussions in Franklin County on July 2 with town officials from the towns of Bellmont, Burke and Chateaugay, and on July 3 in northern Clinton County with town officials from Champlain, Chazy and Mooers. Additional tours will be scheduled in late July and August.

Jones has continually fought to secure state funding to help replace the North Country’s roads and bridges. He helped pass a 2019-20 state budget that provides $438.1 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) and $39.7 million for the Marchiselli Program. These programs help municipalities complete much-needed road and bridge maintenance projects. Additionally, in the final weeks of the 2019 legislative session, Jones helped secure $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funding. North Country winters are notoriously harsh, and these funds will help keep our families’ travel a little smoother in the coming months, Jones noted.

[1] townofbeekmantown.com/highway-department