Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, and Senator George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, joined by county executives and the local highway superintendents association.

Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, and Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, recently joined local leaders in urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders to increase state investment in local roads, bridges and culverts through the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

Highlighting the severe impact of inflation and rising construction costs on municipal road maintenance, they called for an additional $250 million in CHIPS funding in the 2025-26 state budget to ensure local governments can maintain critical infrastructure.

“For the 13th consecutive session, we are calling attention to the urgent need for greater investment in our local roads,” said Molitor. “Gov. Hochul’s executive budget includes much-needed increases for the state highway system, but it does not account for the financial strain on local governments that are responsible for maintaining 87% of New York’s roads.”

According to a 2023 study by the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways (NYSAOTSOH), municipalities require an additional $2.69 billion annually–totaling over $40 billion in the next 15 years–to adequately maintain and restore local roads and bridges. Rising material costs and inflation have significantly eroded the purchasing power of local highway maintenance programs, placing a greater burden on municipalities and taxpayers.

“Local governments spent $2 billion on road maintenance in 2020, but due to inflation, those same dollars simply don’t stretch as far today,” Molitor said. “With national highway construction costs increasing by 70% over the last three years, it is clear the governor’s current proposal is inadequate.”

Molitor also emphasized the growing concern regarding New York’s transition to electric school buses and the potential impact on local roads. He cited preliminary data indicating heavier electric buses could shorten the lifespan of town roads by 20%, leading to significantly increased reconstruction costs for municipalities.

“This state-mandated transition to electric buses comes with hidden costs that our towns and villages simply cannot absorb,” Molitor said. “Without proper investment in local infrastructure, we are setting up our communities for failure.”

Borrello echoed these concerns, saying, “For the fourth straight year, Gov. Hochul’s budget ignores the skyrocketing costs of maintaining local roads and bridges. While highway construction costs have jumped 70%, CHIPS funding remains flat–forcing local governments to do more with less. Meanwhile, billions are funneled into the failing MTA and Hollywood tax credits, while upstate roads crumble. We need an immediate $250 million increase in CHIPS funding just to keep up. Safe roads aren’t a luxury–they’re essential to our economy, emergency services and everyday life. It’s time for Albany to prioritize real needs over political pet projects.”

Joining Molitor and Borrello in advocating for increased CHIPS funding were Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendell, Mark Roetzer, interim Jamestown Public Works director, and Tim Card, county public facilities director.

“Municipalities are already struggling to keep up with rising costs. If we don’t receive additional state support, we will be forced to delay or scale back critical infrastructure projects, which will only lead to bigger problems down the road,” Roetzer said.

Card emphasized the impact on small towns.

“Rural communities like ours depend on CHIPS funding to maintain our roadways. Without an increase, we’re left with tough choices that could compromise safety and economic development,” Card said.

To address these challenges, Molitor, Borrello, and local leaders are calling for:

An additional $250 million in CHIPS base aid, bringing the total to $848 million;

The consolidation of five state road assistance programs into two, reducing administrative burdens on municipalities; and

An increase in the CHIPS bidding threshold from $350,000 to $1 million, or its elimination altogether, to allow for more cost-effective project management.

“New York’s local roads are essential to our economy, public safety and quality of life,” concluded Molitor. “For every $1 invested in CHIPS, we save between $6 and $14 in long-term rehabilitation costs. This is a smart investment that will create jobs, ease the tax burden on residents and ensure the safety of our roadways.”