SLATER, HARCKHAM ANNOUNCE HISTORIC INCREASE IN CHIPS FUNDING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown) and Senator Pete Harckham (D, WF-40th) today announced a historic increase in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding as part of the enacted 2026-27 state budget, delivering critical resources to municipalities across the Hudson Valley and New York state to repair roads, improve infrastructure and address growing transportation needs.

The budget includes a $50 million increase in CHIPS funding, bringing the statewide program total to a record $698.1 million. Combined with other local transportation aid programs, municipalities will receive an unprecedented $1.4 billion in state highway funding this year, providing local governments with the resources needed to maintain safe and reliable roads and bridges while keeping pace with rising construction costs. The increase represents a 32.3% growth in annual local highway aid compared to the final year of the state’s previous multi-year highway capital program.

“Our local highway departments are on the front lines of maintaining the roads and bridges that residents rely on every day,” said Slater. “After hearing directly from highway superintendents across Putnam and Westchester counties about the challenges posed by rising construction costs, I made increasing CHIPS funding a top priority this year. This historic $50 million increase will provide municipalities with critical resources to address infrastructure needs, improve public safety and help ease the burden on local taxpayers. I appreciate Senator Harckham’s partnership in helping deliver this investment and look forward to continuing our work on behalf of our local communities.”

Sen. Harckham said, “For the second year in a row, we successfully fought for a sizable $50 million boost to a statewide $698.1 million in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program funding in the FY2026-2027 state budget, which underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to keeping our critical infrastructure updated and in good repair. CHIPS funding helps our local municipal governments make timely transportation infrastructure investments while alleviating the burden of these costs from local property taxpayers, a real win-win, and I thank Assemblyman Slater for his ongoing partnership in this effort.”

Town of Carmel Highway Superintendent Mike Stern said, “As superintendent of highways for the Town of Carmel, I can say that any additional CHIPS funding for roadway improvements, road resurfacing and infrastructure projects is extremely important to our community. Every dollar we receive helps us maintain and improve the roads that our residents, businesses, emergency services and visitors rely on every day. With the rising costs of materials, equipment and labor, additional CHIPS funding allows us to stretch local resources further and address critical needs more efficiently. These investments help us repair and resurface roads, improve drainage systems, enhance public safety and extend the life of our infrastructure while reducing future maintenance costs. For the residents of Carmel, every extra dollar makes a difference. State funding helps us complete projects that might otherwise be delayed and reduces the burden on local taxpayers. We are committed to using these funds responsibly and effectively to ensure our transportation infrastructure remains safe, reliable and capable of serving our community for years to come.”

Town of Somers Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito said, “CHIPS funding is truly the lifeblood of local highway departments across New York state. These funds allow municipalities like ours to pave roads, improve infrastructure and make critical investments that directly enhance the quality of life for our residents. Every mile of roadway we rehabilitate and every infrastructure improvement we complete helps create safer, more reliable transportation networks for our communities. This increase in CHIPS funding will provide local governments with additional resources to address growing infrastructure needs while reducing the burden on local taxpayers. We are grateful for the state’s continued commitment to supporting municipal highway programs. Assemblyman Matt Slater has been a tremendous partner to local governments and highway departments for many years. He understands the challenges municipalities face in maintaining critical infrastructure and has been a strong advocate for increasing CHIPS funding. His leadership and persistent efforts were instrumental in achieving this funding increase, and communities throughout the region will benefit from his commitment to investing in our roads and infrastructure.”

Town of Patterson Highway Superintendent Edward Foster said, “Any increase in CHIPS funding is a big help to local highway departments. The cost of blacktop, pipe, fuel, equipment and just about everything else we use has gone up, but the roads still need to be maintained. This funding helps us get more work done, keep our roads safer for residents and take some pressure off the local taxpayers. We appreciate Assemblyman Slater’s support and his understanding of how important this funding is to towns like ours.”

Town of Kent Highway Superintendent Richard Othmer said, “The additional funding included in Kent’s 2026 CHIPS allotment is allowing us to purchase and install permanent concrete headwalls at two of our culvert/stream crossing locations that are constantly eroding and washing out. Kent’s 1920s antiquated infrastructure is steadily moving into the 21^st century due to Assemblyman Slater’s efforts.”

Town of Putnam Valley Highway Superintendent Shawn Keeler said, “This increase will hopefully allow us to mill and pave one additional smaller road this year that otherwise would have had to wait until next year. We are still hoping construction costs come down, as escalating prices may ultimately determine whether that project can move forward. Regardless, I greatly appreciate all of Matt’s hard work, not only in securing this increase in CHIPS funding, but for everything he does to support our communities every day.”

Town of Southeast Highway Superintendent Michael Burdick said, “I want to thank Assemblyman Slater for his hard work in securing this $50 million increase in CHIPS funding. Investments like this make a real difference for local municipalities as we work to maintain and improve our roads. Matt has been a strong advocate for Putnam and Westchester counties, and I appreciate his continued efforts to ensure our communities have a voice in Albany. I’ll be sure our residents know that someone is fighting for them.”

Town of Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli said, “This increase in CHIPS funding is welcome news for municipalities across New York. As costs for materials, equipment and infrastructure projects continue to rise, additional state support helps local highway departments maintain roads, address critical repairs and complete projects that might otherwise be delayed. These investments improve safety, enhance the quality of our transportation network and help reduce the burden on local taxpayers. I appreciate Assemblyman Slater’s continued advocacy for local governments and his commitment to ensuring communities like Yorktown receive the resources needed to keep our infrastructure in good condition.”