Local governments will have more money to spend on paving and other road repairs. The state budget boosts spending on road, bridge and other infrastructure needs, as State Senator Chris Jacobs recently announced.
Overall spending on road and bridge repairs totals $29 billion in the 2017-2018 state budget. That's an increase of $1.7 billion from the previous fiscal year.
"It is critical to ensuring the safety o the motoring public and pedestrians alike," Jacobs said. "The maintenance of our infrastructure not only creates jobs but also contributes to the strength of our economy, by assuring that our transportation network can support our economic development needs and aspirations."
Senator Jacobs stood with officials from the Town of Tonawanda, Grand Island, Village of Kenmore, Town of Evans and Town of Orchard Park, all of which are receiving increased funding which is already available, allowing the respective municipalities to move forward with desired additional projects:
"I'm looking at least two additional roads in the Town of Orchard Park that I'll be able to do that otherwise I couldn't and would have to be put off until next year," said Fred Piasecki, Orchard Park's Highway Superintendent.
Municipalities are receiving, according to Jacobs, increases ranging from 12.5 to 15 percent.
