(State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Congressman Paul Tonko)
Recently, two Upstate Democratic lawmakers have been calling for increased funding for our region's aging and deteriorating infrastructure. Both Congressman Paul Tonko (D - Amsterdam) and State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D - Round Lake) are pushing federal and state officials for additional investment in the public transportation system across the Upstate New York region.
From the Albany Times Union, April 9, 2015:
"“A 21st century economy requires 21st century investment,” said U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam. “We are languishing because of a kick-the-can-down-the-road mentality,” he added."
"Tonko pointed out that it was 28 years ago that the Thruway bridge over the Schoharie Creek collapsed, after flooding in the creek. He said 51 percent of the roads are in poor condition in the Capital Region, as well as 40 percent of its bridges."
"“I support the President’s plan that would invest $478 billion over six years that would provide predictability to contractors and state and local governments” on the availability of funding for projects, Tonko said. “We need to invest in our transit systems and public transportation responsibilities.”"
From
WAMC Northeast Public Radio, March 6, 2015:
"Advocates for local governments in New York and state lawmakers are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include more funding for road and bridge repair in his annual budget."
"A group of 114 state lawmakers, county and town highway superintendents, and other groups gathered in Albany this week to call for an increase in state aid for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program, also called CHIPS."
"Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, a Democrat representing Washington and Saratoga Counties, attended the Wednesday rally."
"“This has been a tough winter, it’s a safety issue, it’s an issue of local jobs, its an issue for our farmers who are delivering products in glass bottles that could break on the potholes that we’ve got on these roads. We must restore the funding to upstate roads and bridges.”"