Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) joined highway crews and superintendents from across the state today, as well as a group of bipartisan legislators, to call for a $150 million increase to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and restoration of the $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funds that the governor intends to eliminate from this year’s budget.

These programs empower road crews and state agencies to conduct pothole and ice wedging repairs, fix dilapidated and unsafe bridges and repave dangerous sections of highway throughout the state. The CHIPS program has not been increased in many years.

“Everyone talks about increasing economic development and tourism but they often gloss over New York’s rising infrastructure needs that lay the foundation for these industries to flourish,” Brabenec said. “An increase in funding would help mitigate everything from annoying potholes to traffic congestion and summer repaving efforts around the state. Our taxes are sky high and the least we deserve is the peace of mind to know our commute will be safe, quick and smooth. Increasing the CHIPS program is one of my top priorities heading into this month’s budget negotiations.”