ASSEMBLYMAN SLATER APPLAUDS $50 MILLION INCREASE IN CHIPS FUNDING FOR LOCAL ROADS

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) with Westchester County and Putnam County highway superintendents.

With the help of local highway superintendents across the Hudson Valley, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) commends the $50 million increase in state funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). The additional funds, secured as part of the FY 2025-26 state budget, bring total CHIPS funding to $648.1 million—up from $598 million in the governor’s proposed budget and last year’s final allocation.

CHIPS funding is a critical resource for local municipalities to repave, repair and maintain roads and bridges. The program provides direct aid to towns, villages, cities and counties across New York state.

“State roads are notoriously underfunded, and we feel that acutely in the Hudson Valley,” said Slater. “Our roads are rated the worst in New York, but the billions in federal highway aid we receive don’t qualify for 90% of our local roads. Municipalities are struggling to keep up with rising costs.”

In February, Slater hosted a press conference at the Somers Highway Department to call for increased CHIPS funding. At the time, Gov. Kathy Hochul had proposed flat funding of $598 million—matching the previous year’s allocation—despite escalating reconstruction costs and inflation. Slater was joined by Westchester County and Putnam County highway superintendents to advocate for an additional $250 million, for a total of $848 million.

While the full $250 million increase was not achieved, Slater praised the $50 million boost as a step in the right direction.

“This year’s $50 million increase is a win, and we should celebrate that,” Slater added. “But we also have to acknowledge that more is needed. I understand every sector is asking for more money each year, but roads are the most basic public service and should be funded at the highest level we can afford. This affects people’s lives every single day.”

“The increase of $50 million for CHIPS funding this year is a relief for our commuters and most certainly our crews who work hard to keep our roads safe and passable,” said Carmel Highway Superintendent Mike Stern. “This funding helps us stretch limited local budgets further, take on much-needed repairs and respond more effectively to the wear and tear caused by harsh weather and traffic. We’re grateful to Assemblyman Slater for being a strong voice for highway departments across the region, and we’ll continue to speak up with him for the adequate funding our communities need.”

“Thanks to this year’s CHIPS increase, Yorktown received just under $60,000—an 8% boost in funding,” said Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli. “That translates directly to being able to repave or repair 8% more roads, which is a big help. Flat funding would have set us back, so we’re grateful for this increase. It gets us just far enough for now, but we hope this marks the beginning of a trend toward sustained, increased investment in our local infrastructure.”

“The Town of Somers, as well as the Westchester and Putnam Counties Association of Highway Superintendents, would like to thank the New York State Legislature for approving a $50 million increase in funding for CHIPS, which will provide much-needed resources to improve the safety and quality of Westchester and Putnam’s local infrastructure,” said Somers Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito. “However, we remain disappointed that the increase falls short of the $250 million we initially requested. This larger investment would have further addressed the pressing needs of our communities, where infrastructure demands remain an ongoing issue. Assemblyman Slater has been a steadfast champion for increased CHIPS funding, recognizing its critical role in supporting safe and reliable transportation for our residents, businesses, and first responders. His commitment to prioritizing public safety and economic vitality through infrastructure investment continues to make a meaningful difference in Westchester and Putnam Counties.”

Putnam Valley Highway Superintendent Shawn Keeler said, “While it’s not the full amount we had hoped for, the $20,000 increase in CHIPS funding for Putnam Valley will make a difference. Every additional dollar helps us tackle essential road repairs. The reality is our infrastructure needs continue to grow, and state support like this is critical to keeping our roads safe and drivable. I appreciate Assemblyman Slater’s continued commitment to ensuring small towns like ours aren’t left behind.”