Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport) attended the Joint Budget Conference Committee on Transportation today in Albany to advocate for the inclusion of three local infrastructure priorities in this year’s budget. The priorities include increased funding for the state’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), a full restoration of the Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR) program, and an increase to the Arterial Highway Reimbursement Rate.

“Outside of New York City, our state’s infrastructure is crumbling and it’s vital that Albany include increased funding for these projects in this year’s budget,” said Norris, who was appointed to serve on the Joint Budget Conference Committee by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua).

Norris has been an outspoken advocate for improving New York state’s infrastructure and recently unveiled a comprehensive report to improve infrastructure and transportation needs across the state. The report is the result of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Critical Infrastructure and Transportation.