Issue Position: Local Roads Matter

Issue Position

Beginning in 2013, area Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and I have partnered local highway superintendents and other local officials from across New York in a grassroots "Local Roads Matter" effort to lead the fight in the Legislature for a fairer and stronger state commitment to and investment in local roads and bridges.

Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano have helped lead the fight in Albany for the "Local Roads Matter" campaign for fair and equitable funding for local roads and bridges.

Since then, regional counties, cities, towns and villages have received significant increases, upwards of 50%, in state funding for local roads and bridges.

Every additional dollar of state support means a dollar less that our local property taxpayers have to pay.

Local roads and bridges account for 87% of the roads, 52% of the bridges, and 48% of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

A 2013 study conducted by the town highway superintendents association reported that New York needs to invest an additional $1.3 billion per year on local roads and bridges to prevent them from becoming deficient. An earlier report from the state comptroller called 32% of New York's local bridges deficient and 40% of local roads fair or poor, and getting worse. A national transportation advocacy group, TRIP, has estimated that deteriorating roads cost New York motorists nearly an additional $25 billion annually -- nearly $2,300 for the average driver in some areas -- in lost time, fuel costs, vehicle repairs and other expenses.

Beginning in 2013, the state's recognition of the importance of statewide transportation funding continues to make a significant difference for our local governments, local economies, local property taxpayers, and motorist safety locally and statewide.

Our bottom line is steadfast and straightforward: The improvement and maintenance of local roads and bridges is a wise use of taxpayer dollars.

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