Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) attended a press conference on the Million Dollar Staircase in the state Capitol earlier today to support the call to increase funding for local roads, bridges and culverts. Also in attendance were Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, their legislative colleagues in the Senate and Assembly and local road advocates.

Specifically, state and local advocates and lawmakers are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase funding in the 2023-2024 state Budget for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), “Extreme Winter Recovery” (EWR), PAVE-NY and BRIDGE-NY. Increasing funding for these programs will help improve the roadways New Yorkers rely on rather than allowing them to deteriorate any further. During Bendett’s time with the Rensselaer County Legislature, local infrastructure projects were a top priority, and over half of all Rensselaer County’s road systems were successfully repaved. Now, he wants to see the same level of attention and care given to other roadways across the state.

“New York roadways have been neglected for far too long,” said Bendett. “Anyone on the road can see the disrepair, and it’s astonishing. Now more than ever, local governments need economic relief. Commuters and first responders need safe, reliable roadways for daily travel. Gov. Hochul must answer our call and increase funding in the state budget to help improve infrastructure maintenance for local roads, bridges and culverts to give New Yorkers peace of mind.”