Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) was joined by his colleagues at a press conference today urging an increase to the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs). CHIPs funding has remained stagnant during each of the last five years.

“While I recognize the economic difficulties we are facing, I do not think our crumbling infrastructure should be on the table,” DiPietro said. “As a former mayor, I know exactly how this affects our local governments. This increase in funding will keep municipal funding under control and will help with the cost of unfunded mandates. These are the types of programs we should be funding as necessary aspects of government.”

The Executive Budget proposes $363.1 million for CHIPs. This is the same funding level as the past five years. The group of state lawmakers, local officials and organizations that attended today’s press conference called for a minimum of $100 million to be reallocated to the CHIPs budget to relieve the strain felt by local communities facing high property taxes and unfunded mandates from Albany. Over the past 10 years, the cost of fuel has gone up 190 percent, asphalt has gone up 206 percent, and materials are up 57 percent. As of now, local governments are responsible for 87 percent of the roads in the state. CHIPs provides additional support to assist local governments maintain and improve roads and bridges in their communities.

For more information, contact DiPietro’s district office at 585-786-0180. The assemblyman can also be reached via e-mail at dipietrod@assembly.state.ny.us.