Construction workers engaged in road repair efforts as part of New York's increased funding for infrastructure.
New York State has increased its road and bridge repair funding by $850 million in the 2025-26 budget, with $800 million allocated to the NYSDOT Core Program and $50 million to the CHIPS program. This significant investment aims to enhance infrastructure, improve safety, and address rising construction costs. Communities in the Hudson Valley, particularly Ossining, are expected to benefit from increased state funding for local road repairs. The funding is also set to support bridge rehabilitation projects critical for transportation safety.
New York State has allocated an additional $850 million in its 2025-26 budget to enhance road and bridge repair efforts, marking a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure. The funding comprises $800 million for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Core Program and an additional $50 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).
The Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley (CIC) has praised both the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul for their commitment to improving road infrastructure. This funding increase is seen as crucial for managing inflationary pressures affecting the costs of road construction and rehabilitation.
The total budget for the NYSDOT Core Program now stands at $3.4 billion, reflecting a 37% increase from the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, the CHIPS program has received a total funding of $648 million, representing an 8.4% increase. This enhancement in funding is expected to improve the safety and reliability of the region’s infrastructure, particularly in the Hudson Valley area, which is noted to have some of the most challenging road conditions in New York State.
Communities such as Ossining are projected to see an increase of 8% to 9% in state funding earmarked for local road repairs, presenting opportunities for municipalities to undertake necessary upgrades and improvements. Enhanced funding not only focuses on improving road conditions but is also anticipated to create and sustain jobs in the construction industry.
Region 8, which includes Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties, is significantly impacted by the amended budget. With the CIC serving this region, the organization acknowledges the leadership provided by Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and the Hudson Valley state legislative delegation in securing this funding.
Included in the funding are important rehabilitation projects for bridges, aimed at enhancing safety along critical travel routes. Federal highway officials evaluate the condition of bridges on a scale from zero to nine, where scores below four indicate poor conditions. Over 10% of New York’s locally owned bridges were rated in poor condition as of 2024, underscoring the urgent need for maintenance and repairs. The estimated costs to improve local bridges alone are projected at an alarming $28.7 billion, emphasizing the ongoing necessity for substantial investments in infrastructure.
As part of the state’s infrastructure improvement efforts, specific bridge projects are expected to be completed in the warmer months, showcasing proactive steps towards enhancing New York’s overall transportation network.
The increased allocation for road and bridge maintenance reflects a focused effort by New York State to not only address existing infrastructure deficiencies but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic development through improved transportation systems. The investments made in the 2025-26 budget are crucial as they directly correlate to rising construction costs and the imperative need for modernization and repair of aging infrastructure.
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