Saratoga Standard

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, representing Ballston, participated in a press conference at the Warren County Public Works facility. She was joined by other Assembly and Senate members as well as local highway superintendents. The group advocated for increased state funding for local roads and bridges in the upcoming 2025-2026 state budget.

The governor's proposed budget maintains the current $598 million allocation for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). Walsh criticized this proposal, stating, "It’s obvious the governor’s proposal falls far short of meeting our needs. It simply will not get the job done, especially in Saratoga County where our growing population means our roads and infrastructure undergo even more wear and tear."

Walsh and her colleagues have addressed a letter to the governor emphasizing the urgent need for greater investment in local infrastructure. They highlighted that inflation has driven up construction costs, diminishing the real value of existing state funding programs. A study indicates an additional $2.69 billion is needed annually to meet these demands.

In response to these challenges, the Assembly Minority is advocating for an extra $250 million in the 2025-26 state budget to support CHIPS and counteract inflation effects. Walsh remarked on rising costs: "Everything costs more these days, and the cost of highway maintenance and construction is no exception; the FHWA Highway Construction Cost Index showed a 70% increase in just three years."

She further noted that while "the governor’s proposal is understandably just a starting point in negotiation," it is crucial that appropriate investments are made to ensure safe transportation across New York State.