SPRINGPORT – In light of serious downstate infrastructure investments doled out with specious oversight, Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I-Springport) will be working to secure the funds upstate New York needs to rebuild its crumbling infrastructure when session gavels in on January 6, 2016.
“The Tappan Zee Bridge rebuild is a $3.9 billion project without a concrete financial plan. Only now, with construction in full swing, is the administration impaneling a task force to analyze toll increases. No one is suggesting that the project is frivolous or that there is a viable alternative, but we need to make sure these investments are made judiciously and transparently,” said Finch.
The Tappan Zee Bridge rebuild isn’t the only costly downstate transportation initiative that has received a financial commitment from the governor. Gov. Cuomo recently promised $8.3 billion to the MTA’s capital plan.
“We need parity,” said Finch. “The governor often highlights his commitment to upstate economic development, but without safe roads, manufacturers can’t ship products with confidence. Without sound bridges, motorists can’t reach our tourism attractions. It doesn’t grab headlines like cut-throat funding competitions or stylized ad campaigns, but safe, reliable infrastructure is absolutely essential for economic development,” said Finch.
Finch also noted that there is already a dependable, fair formula for allocating upstate transportation dollars. “The Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) investment is proven. It won’t involve failed coups for environmental funds or squabbles over tolls. The money goes to our local town and county highway departments. They know where the needs are, and they’re incredibly effective and efficient at resurfacing our local roads and repairing our local bridges,” he said.
