Flat state funding for local roads drew sharp criticism Tuesday during a legislative budget hearing in Albany.
State Sen. Tom O’Mara raised concerns as lawmakers questioned state transportation officials about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget. The plan would hold funding steady for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program, known as CHIPS, along with other local road programs.
O’Mara said those programs often provide the only funding many towns and counties have to maintain roads, bridges, and culverts. He argued that flat funding ignores the impact inflation has had on construction costs and local highway budgets.
Local roads associations have called for a $250 million increase in CHIPS funding. They say construction costs have climbed dramatically in recent years, putting pressure on already strained local governments.
O’Mara pointed out that last year’s state budget included $800 million in additional funding to address inflation on state transportation projects. He said local roads face the same inflation pressures and deserve similar consideration.
He also questioned whether the state should consolidate its multiple local transportation aid programs into a single fund. O’Mara said a unified approach could improve efficiency and ensure funding gets distributed more fairly.
The senator warned that stagnant aid could shift more costs onto local property taxpayers and force communities to delay needed repairs. He said investment in local roads saves money long term and supports jobs tied to highway construction.
O’Mara serves as the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and represents parts of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.
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