Capital District Times

Assemblyman Scott Bendett voiced his concerns at a recent Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Transportation regarding the lack of increased funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) in this year's executive budget proposal.

Bendett stated, "As our local roads and bridges continue to deteriorate, it is unacceptable that this year’s budget once again fails to provide an increase in CHIPS funding." He emphasized the importance of this funding for upstate communities and local governments to maintain their infrastructure, expressing frustration over Albany's perceived neglect.

Inflation has increased material costs, pressuring local governments to manage with limited resources. Despite this, the executive budget has not allocated additional funds for CHIPS, which is crucial for road repairs.

"Every year, we hear the same excuses while our local roads get worse," Bendett said. He urged that New York's state budget should prioritize infrastructure needs across all regions equally. "We are all New Yorkers, and the governor needs to start acting like it."

Bendett committed to advocating for a CHIPS funding increase, stressing that New York's budget should benefit all communities beyond just New York City.