PEEKSKILL – The proposed state budget includes a $60 million cut in funding to local streets and roads and a number of local leaders from the 40th State Senate District are calling for increased funding, not a cutback.
“In the past few years, a surge in traffic, rising repair costs and a proliferation of potholes have left our local municipalities struggling to keep our roadways safe for travel,” said Senator Pete Harckham. He said cuts in state funding put motorists on New York roads at risk.
Stony Point Town Supervisor James Monaghan said some of that town’s roads, like Route 9W to Bear Mountain, require constant repairs and annual paving. “Now is not the time to be cutting (state aid)” he said.
Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari said his town relies on the state funding to maintain and repair infrastructure.
Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said municipalities struggle to maintain critical infrastructure. “The historic year after year double-digit increases in labor and materials have stretched the city’s abilities to pave our roads.”
