West Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) stood alongside his colleagues and local officials from the Hudson Valley in a united effort to advocate for increased highway infrastructure funding. The assemblyman's remarks highlighted the critical importance of maintaining funding levels for local roads and highways.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by Assemblyman Anil Beephan (R,C-East Fishkill) and attended by Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown), Assemblyman John McGowan (R,C-Rockland), and local highway superintendents, Maher emphasized the impact of potential budget cuts on rural communities. "Our rural communities are counting on funding from CHIPS," Maher stated.

Maher expressed deep concerns about the proposed $100 million cut to transportation infrastructure funding, warning of dire consequences for road maintenance. He pointed out the challenges posed by inflation, stating, "The cost of maintaining our roads has more than doubled... We need a massive increase in CHIPS funding just to keep pace with increased material costs."

Addressing the broader context of the budgetary decisions, Maher criticized the potential cuts in essential infrastructure funding. "Basic infrastructural necessities should never be cut, especially to this extent, with a $233 billion budget," he asserted. "We have to fund these essential costs and we need to have the backs of our local highway workers."

The push for increased funding comes as part of a longstanding effort by members of the New York state Assembly, Senate, and local offices to secure more robust support for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). Despite the significant increase in federal highway aid to New York through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, concerns remain about the allocation of these funds to local roads, which make up the majority of the statewide road systems.