Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) today joined a bipartisan group of Senators and Assembly members to call on the governor and Department of Transportation (DOT) to allocate greater funding through the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) directly to municipalities to improve local roads. Assemblyman Goodell was joined by officials from the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association (NYSCHSA), NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways (NYSAOTSOH), NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC), New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

“High quality roads are critical to the success of New York State, and we need to be making investments to improve our roads before the cost of repairs goes through the roof,” said Goodell. “With the terrible conditions on I-86, our local roads are bearing the brunt of additional traffic that should be using major highways but are being forced off of them. Additional CHIPs funding will help maintain these local roads pending repairs to I-86.”

According to a recent report from the state comptroller’s office, 32 percent of bridges are deficient and 40 percent of roads are rated fair or poor and getting worse in New York State. Forty-eight percent of vehicle travel in the state takes place on local roads, yet, fewer than 12 percent of road maintenance fees go to local upkeep.

“Increasing our funding for local roads reaffirms our commitment to our communities and puts many local residents to work. Additionally, high-quality roads and bridges allow us to promote economic development to new businesses and encourage already-existing businesses to re-invest in our communities. Local roads aren’t just about getting from point A to point B, but about providing residents with a quality standard of living,” concluded Goodell.

A copy of the letter sent to Gov. Cuomo and the legislative leaders is attached.