BIPARTISAN GROUP OF WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTS ENDORSE MATT SLATER FOR RE-ELECTION

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) announced today that he has received the bipartisan endorsement of six highway superintendents from across Westchester and Putnam counties, citing his continued partnership with local highway departments, advocacy for increased state funding for local roads and bridges and efforts to secure greater investment in state-owned roads throughout the Hudson Valley.

“I am incredibly proud to have the support of our local highway superintendents because these are the officials who know our infrastructure needs better than anyone,” said Slater. “They are on the front lines maintaining our roads, responding to storms and stretching every taxpayer dollar as far as it can go. I have listened to them, worked alongside them and fought to make sure Albany provides them with the resources they need. I am honored to have their bipartisan support.”

Slater has made infrastructure investment a major focus of his work in the State Assembly. Working with highway superintendents from across the region, he successfully advocated for consecutive increases in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), including an additional $50 million in the 2026–27 state budget. CHIPS funding now stands at a record $698.1 million statewide, with total state support for local highway programs reaching approximately $1.4 billion this year.

Slater has also worked directly with the New York State Department of Transportation to increase investment in state roads throughout the 94th Assembly District. Recent investments include $15 million for improvements along the Route 202 corridor in Somers, including a $9 million repaving project, as well as millions of dollars for improvements to other state corridors across northern Westchester and Putnam counties.

“Our local highway departments do tremendous work, but residents rightly expect the state to take care of its roads too,” Slater said. “For too long, the Hudson Valley has been asked to accept deteriorating state roads and delayed projects. We have pushed DOT for greater investment, secured millions of dollars for our region and worked directly with state and local partners to get projects moving. There is much more work to do, and fixing our roads will remain one of my top priorities.”

That work will continue as Slater was recently selected by Putnam County to serve on the Project Steering Committee for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council’s Northern Westchester East-West Corridors Study. The regional planning effort is examining some of the area’s most heavily traveled corridors, including Routes 6, 35, 118 and 202, to develop actionable recommendations for future transportation investments.

“I don't want another transportation study that sits on a shelf,” Slater said. “We need a prioritized list of real projects that improve safety, reduce congestion and fix our roads. Having a seat at the table gives our communities another opportunity to fight for the infrastructure investments northern Westchester and Putnam deserve.”

The six highway superintendents also outlined their support for Slater in a joint letter to the editor, citing his accessibility, advocacy for increased CHIPS funding and partnership with local highway departments. Somers Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito, Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli, Carmel Highway Superintendent Mike Stern, Kent Highway Superintendent Rich Othmer, Southeast Highway Superintendent Mike Burdick and Putnam Valley Highway Superintendent Shawn Keeler signed the letter.

“We work with Matt, and we have seen firsthand what he brings to the table. He answers the phone. He listens to the people actually doing the work. And when we tell him what our highway departments need, he goes to Albany and fights for it,” the superintendents wrote.

Pointing to consecutive $50 million increases in CHIPS funding and Slater’s efforts to secure greater investment in state roads, the superintendents said his advocacy has translated into tangible improvements for local communities while helping ease the burden on property taxpayers. “We don't measure a partnership by press releases. We measure it by whether someone shows up, listens and gets results. Matt Slater has done that.”

“Good roads aren’t Republican or Democrat—they are fundamental to safe communities, a strong economy and our quality of life,” Slater said. “Our highway superintendents understand that better than anyone. I am grateful for their partnership, grateful for their endorsement and ready to keep working with them to deliver results for the people we serve.”