New Rochelle Gets 17+ Percent Hike in Road, Bridge Repairs

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday $438 million in funding for local highway, road and bridge repairs in the 2013-14 budget.

That represents an increase of $75 million, the first such increase since the 2008-09 budget. The Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding goes to counties, cities, towns and villages throughout the state.

Under the budget, New Rochelle will receive $1,127,934.21, more than $167,000 over the 2012-13 budget—a 17.47 percent increase.

City Manager Charles Strome III was happy about receiving the cash infusion.

"It will enable us to pave more roads this year than in past years," he said.

Coupled with intermunicipal agreements with the Pelhams, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Mount Vernon to share paving costs, Strome said the city won't be saving money but will be able to do more with the money it receives.

The intermunicipal agreement means the city can get a lower cost per ton on asphalt due to higher volume.

"This Budget is about jobs, jobs, jobs, and by investing in rebuilding our state’s transportation infrastructure we are helping to grow local economies and create jobs in all corners of the state," said Cuomo. "During these difficult fiscal times, this $75 million increase in CHIPS funding is a big victory for our state's localities that will be able to use these much-needed funds to make repairs to local highways, bridges, and roads, and at the same time support job growth and economic development in their communities.”

The Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) was established by the Legislature in 1981. The funds go directly to local governments to support repairs to the highways, bridges, and roads that they operate and maintain.

A complete breakdown of CHIPS funding is available online.