RENSSELAER COUNTY ELECTED LEADERS AND HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTS COME TOGETHER TO CALL FOR NEEDED STATE FUNDING TO MAINTAIN ROADS AND BRIDGES
More state funding is needed to ensure a safe and effective network of county and local roads, local leaders said during a press event at the Rensselaer County Highway Department main garage on Thursday.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin joined State Senator Jake Ashby, Assemblyman Scott Bendett and local Highway Superintendents to call on the state for needed funding for road projects.
A focus is the funding provided through the state’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).
“Good roads are essential to safe travel and successful business in New York State and the state needs to recognize this fact and support road and bridge projects at the county and local levels,” said McLaughlin.
"Rensselaer County is a statewide leader in revitalizing transportation infrastructure. From the vision of County Executive McLaughlin to the hard work and dedication of our local highway crews, this is a team effort that has made our county a place to invest for the future. I will again work with my colleagues in the Legislature and the administration to make sure this year's state budget continues to support these efforts that truly make a difference in our quality of life," said Ashby.
“CHIPS funding is the backbone of how our towns and counties maintain safe and reliable roads,” said Bendett. “With costs continuing to rise, asking local governments to do more with less is simply not sustainable. We need to ensure our communities have the resources they need to keep roads safe for residents, businesses, and emergency services.”
Rensselaer County has been notable in paving the entire 330 mile of the county road network during the past eight years. The county is now focusing attention on bridges, culverts and sections damaged by winter weather, along with regular maintenance, said McLaughlin.
Local Highway superintendents also said road and bridge projects at the town level would benefit from adequate state funding. The tough winter of 2025-2026 damaged a number of important local roads and bridges and repairs are needed.
Along with Highway superintendents, representatives of the Rensselaer County Association of Town Superintendents of Highways were on hand for the press conference at the county’s main garage on Bloomingrove Drive in North Greenbush.
“We have seen the state provide billions in combined aid for New York City along with a host of other causes supported by progressives. It is time for the same focus to be made for local roads and bridges to maintain quality of life and support economic development and investment here,” said McLaughlin.