Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that the 2021-22 state budget includes critical funding to improve the North Country’s roads and bridges.

“Improving our infrastructure impacts everyone in the North Country. Our residents rely on having dependable, well-maintained roads and bridges to get where they need to go safely and efficiently. Better roads also prevent wear and tear on vehicles which saves people and families money,” Jones said. “Our communities need help addressing the upkeep and repairs of aging infrastructure, especially during these difficult fiscal times. Making much-needed improvements to road and bridges will also save municipalities money which will in turn save taxpayers money. I worked hard to ensure the state budget includes funding to complete much-needed repairs and enhancements to our roads and bridges. Additionally, safe and reliable infrastructure is also necessary for the North County’s economic recovery as we continue efforts to build back better and stronger.”

The final state budget provides $538.1 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), which is $100 million more than the previous year for this vital aid program that helps maintain our roads and bridges. The budget also includes $100 million for the Extreme Winter Recovery program and $39.7 million for the Marchiselli Program to help repair and replace aging roads and bridges across the state. An additional $50 million was also secured for PAVE NY, which is used to rehabilitate and repave local roads and bridges, improving safety for drivers.