Boost in ‘CHIPs’ Funds to Help With Much-Needed Repair, Rebuilding After Long Winter

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced a $2.5 million increase in state budget funding for roads and bridges to counties, towns and villages in her Senate District.

The increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program—“CHIPs”—means a total of $22.5 million in local highway aid for Northern and Central New York communities in Senate District 48.

“From potholes to surface damage, we’re now beginning to see the major toll this year’s harsh winter has taken on or local roads,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Making these repairs and upgrades to our roads and bridges is critically important to not only the safety of those who travel them, but also to creating jobs and strengthening the economy. I’m pleased to see the new State Budget makes significant investments to help local governments cover these costs—and so many others—which will help them balance their budgets without placing any additional stress on taxpayers.” 

The State Budget includes an increase of $50 million statewide in CHIPs funding, the second increase in as many years to the program that local governments rely on to balance road repair budgets. The 2014-15 State Budget included an extra $40 million in CHIPs funds.

Also contained in the budget is a total of nearly $715 million in aid to municipalities, including a $2 million increase in aid to villages throughout the state. 

A full breakdown of local highway aid and additional funding for municipalities in Senator Ritchie’s District 48 can be found by CLICKING HERE.