Brookhaven, NY – A coalition of construction and organized labor leaders joined forces with Representative Andrew R. Garbarino to call on leaders in Albany to finally invest in Long Island’s failing roads and bridges. Last year, Rep. Garbarino joined his congressional colleagues to pass a historic, bipartisan infrastructure bill, but state lawmakers failed to seize this historic opportunity. To make matters worse, record high inflation rates on highway construction materials have severely increased costs and reduced the New York State’s Department of Transportation’s core program to its lowest levels since 2015— despite the record infusion of federal funds to New York from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
While the state’s five-year capital plan enacted last year did increase the overall level of investment, it grew by only $2 billion over the five years despite an increase of $4.6 billion dollars in federal funding during the same period. The current, significant erosion of the capital program because of inflation and material cost escalation—and the pressure “Priority/Signature projects” are putting on investment in the core—calls for the state to restore its previous share of funding for the program.
Over the past few years Long Island’s roads have seen some of the biggest pavement condition declines in the state. In 2015 less than 18 percent of the roads on Long Island were in fair or poor condition and by 2021 nearly 40 percent of the Island’s roads were in fair or poor condition. Today the Island has over 1,000 miles of road in need of immediate repair. It is critical that an additional $1.128B be added to the 2023-24 budget for state and local highway construction just to keep funding at the same level it was when the five-year program was initially adopted in 2022.
“I helped deliver a historic federal investment into our state through the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, but instead of matching that investment at the state level, Governor Hochul has instead chosen to reduce funds needed for essential infrastructure improvements on Long Island and across New York, said Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-2). “Hochul and her Administration have a responsibility to ensure the state pulls its weight in the effort to restore New York’s roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. I urge her to restore the previous funding levels for infrastructure investment so that we can build a better future for all New Yorkers.”
“I want to thank Congressman Andrew Garbarino for hosting the press conference today with many of my colleagues to address the troubling levels of inflation and local infrastructure that is overdue for repairs throughout the area and statewide, saidAssemblyman Ed Flood (Port Jefferson). With the data in hand and the miles of road in need of repair, it is crucial the state increases the funds directed to infrastructure, specifically to reduce congestion on Long Island and promote more job opportunities. The funding allocated over the past few years was not sufficient to repair all that is necessary, so I stand with my colleagues to push for proper funding once again.”
“Despite federal funds coming to New York from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, that money has not made its way to our Towns, Counties, and Villages,” said Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro. “Our road systems are in dire need of the investment our federal government has promised us. It is crucial that the Governor and State Legislature stop holding this money hostage and provide local departments of public works the funding we so desperately need to improve local roads.”
“Our leaders in Albany need to match Congress’s commitment to and invest wisely in local infrastructure. This investment will save money in the long run, improve safety, ease congestion, and create thousands of jobs. This is not a partisan issue; Democrats and Republicans came together in Washington to deliver this once in a generation opportunity for New York to truly rebuild. Last year, the New York State Senate Majority advanced a plan that would have fully seized that opportunity and provide funding at a level that would move our roads and bridges to a state of good repair. This issue unites people because these are just smart investments that pay dividends for generations to come. The time to rebuild New York is now, this year, in this state budget” said Mike Elmendorf, President and CEO of Associated General Contractors of New York State.
"Despite massive investments from our federal partners, New York State continues to neglect and underfund the region's infrastructure needs, as any motorist who ventured on the Long Island Express Way last year can attest. The State Legislature must provide greater resources for infrastructure projects in this year's finalized state spending plan for the maintenance and upgrades of our aging roads, bridges and highways. This funding is essential for economic development, job creation, roadway safety and the health and safety of all of New York's residents," said Senator Anthony Palumbo, District 1.
“Our transportation infrastructure is the heart of our economy, and that heart is on life support. That’s why, as a member of the State Assembly’s Transportation Committee and a supporter of labor, I support increasing state funding to match federal spending on New York’s state and local highways. Increased costs and inflation are now a fact of life, but the requirement for safe, efficient infrastructure is another fact of life that cannot be overlooked, and one which I am proud to support in Albany,” said Assemblymember Jodi Giglio, District 2.
“It’s time for Albany to put politics aside and invest in our local roads and bridges. Long Island drivers desperately need their roads and bridges repaired and replaced and we’re counting on Albany to deliver,” said Billy Haugland, CEO of Haugland Group.
With the legislature passing record breaking budgets the last few years—with another massive package on tap this year—a top priority must be funding for infrastructure. We can no longer ignore our roads and bridges. Long Islanders are motorists; we drive, and we pay enormous taxes to do so. This money has to be allocated back to us for safe, smooth, functional roads and bridges,” said Assemblymember Joe DeStefano, District 3.
“As the country’s first suburb, Long Island will remain vibrant and sustainable with a continued investment of federal and state dollars that leverages private resources to modernize our infrastructure and create a ripple effect of economic growth and job creation,” said Matt Cohen, Long Island Association President & CEO.
New York State Senator Mario Mattera (District 2) and Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo (District 7) were also in attendance.