Finger Lakes Today

Senator Pam Helming recently joined local highway superintendents and community members in a rally advocating for increased funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) in the state budget. This program is crucial for municipalities to maintain, repair, and enhance roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

"Safe and accessible roads, bridges, and culverts impact every single person living, working, and visiting our state," said Senator Helming. She emphasized that while local highway departments strive to manage limited resources effectively, they face challenges due to rising construction costs and unfunded state mandates. "Under the Governor's proposed budget, critical state funding known as CHIPS will remain flat," she noted. This could force local governments to reduce necessary projects.

Senator Helming expressed her support for the superintendents' efforts by stating: "I was proud to stand beside many of our local highway superintendents and their incredible teams to call upon the state to increase its investment in this crucial program." She urged the state to recognize the importance of local roads.