Today, state lawmakers and local highway superintendents gathered at the Oneonta Town Highway Building to advocate for a $250 million increase in funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) in New York’s 2025-26 budget. Assemblyman Brian Miller and Senator Peter Oberacker led the call, emphasizing the need for more resources to maintain roads and bridges crucial for safety and economic development.
Miller highlighted the substantial funding gap facing local governments: “New York’s local governments maintain nearly 87% of the state’s roads, yet they face an annual funding gap of over $2.69 billion. Safe and reliable roads are not a luxury—they’re a necessity.”
Senator Oberacker pointed out the deteriorating condition of rural infrastructure: “Make no mistake–our roads and bridges in rural New York are crumbling…a direct result of Albany’s failure to grasp the true costs of maintaining these essential arteries.”
Assemblyman Chris Tague echoed this sentiment, stressing that increased CHIPS funding is vital for community well-being: “Once again, it requires all our voices to make Albany listen to the needs of rural communities…the health of our local roads and bridges is essential.”
Assemblyman Robert Smullen added that proper funding is critical for ensuring equity across regions: “CHIPS funding is a vital part of Upstate New York’s share…it is essential these communities are allocated support that reflects the number of roads and bridges they maintain.”
The legislators argue that without adequate investment, local authorities will struggle with rising costs due to inflation, impacting their ability to complete necessary infrastructure projects. Ed Frazier from Otsego County underscored this issue: “Flat funding from one year to the next…is effectively a cut.”
Rodney Renwick noted how current financial constraints force difficult choices on project completions due to increased material costs.
The group pledged ongoing advocacy efforts as budget discussions continue.
