Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan called on Mar. 5 for an increase in funding to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) during “CHIPS Day” at the State Capitol, where he was joined by highway superintendents, crews, advocates, and fellow lawmakers. The assemblyman said that CHIPS funding is essential for towns, counties, and villages to maintain thousands of miles of local roads and bridges across New York.
The issue is significant because safe and reliable roads are necessary for daily life and economic activity in communities throughout the state. Gallahan said, “Taking care of our roads is one of the most basic functions of government. From getting food and medicine to traveling to work or school, safe and reliable roads are essential to everyday life in our communities.”
Gallahan also pointed out the importance of well-maintained infrastructure for tourism in the Finger Lakes region. “Here in the Finger Lakes, tourism generates millions of dollars each year for our counties and local towns,” Gallahan said. “That economic activity depends on visitors being able to travel safely on well-maintained roads and bridges.” He raised concerns about what he described as an imbalance between proposed funding levels for local road infrastructure compared with other transportation priorities in the governor’s proposed budget. According to Gallahan, $648 million is allocated statewide for CHIPS while $4.5 billion is proposed for downstate transit systems including New York City’s subway.
Local highway superintendents who attended with Gallahan stressed that increased CHIPS funding is needed due to rising costs associated with materials, equipment, and labor. Town of Canandaigua Highway Superintendent Jim Fletcher said, “CHIPS funding is one of the most important tools towns have to maintain safe and reliable roads. Our highway system is the backbone of our local economy, and increased CHIPS funding will help towns protect the investments we’ve already made in our infrastructure while ensuring safe travel for residents, school buses, emergency services, and local businesses.”
Gallahan has a long history as a community member; he grew up as a lifelong resident of Ontario County according to his official biography. He contributes through business donations and volunteer work according to his official biography, volunteers with groups such as Sons of the American Legion and Clifton Springs Area YMCA according to his official biography, founded Red Jacket High School’s trap shooting team according to his official biography, won election to the Assembly on November 3, 2020 according to his official biography, and lives locally with his wife of 45 years; they have two children and three grandsons who grew up in the area according to his official biography.
“As budget negotiations continue, it’s important that the governor and legislative leaders recognize the critical role local highway departments play in keeping our communities moving,” Gallahan said. “Standing with our local highway superintendents today sends a clear message: our communities need stronger support to maintain the roads that keep the economy of not just New York but our country moving.”
