Resolution includes 27 projects, authorizes over $64.7 million in bonding; added Federal, State Aid of $27.7 million brings total Investment Package to over $92.4 million
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Poloncarz administration, through the Erie County Comptroller’s Office, has submitted to the Erie County Legislature for approval a 2026 Consolidated Bond Resolution (“CBR”) authorizing up to $64.7 million in bonding to augment over $27.7 million in federal and state aid as part of a robust $92.4 million total investment package that includes numerous roads and bridges, significant public safety improvements, and investments in parks, libraries, and law enforcement.
“The 2026 proposed borrowing resolution contains many projects that have federal or state aid attached, so it makes sense to leverage those funds with county-secured funding to complete these projects in a timely manner. For instance, over $11.5 million in BRIDGENY funding is expected, and will combine with just over $600,000 from Erie County to fund construction on four county bridges,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “These are investments made possible by then-President Biden and the Democrat-controlled Congress, including Congressman Brian Higgins, through the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law. I thank them for their belief in our community and our country and for providing the funding impetus to tackle some bigger projects, and thanks also to Governor Kathy Hochul for passing on the funding to the county.”
Major road projects are also planned using a combination of county funding and federal funds, including:
- William Street (Transit to Bowen), $5.2 million in federal funding and $1.3 million of bonded funding to rehabilitate William Street with new pavement, drainage, and signage;
- William Street (Tamark to Union), $4.9 million in federal funding and $1.1 million in county funding for new pavement, drainage and signage on the stretch of William Street in Cheektowaga; and,
- Abbott Road (City of Buffalo line to Fisher Road), $4 million in federal funding and $1 million in county funds to repair pavement, drainage and signage on Abbott Road in Lackawanna.
However, no federal aid is expected for Hopkins Road; Erie County will bond $4.3 million for Road Slide construction there including slope stabilization and full depth highway reconstruction.
Bonding will be used to fund several county initiatives and projects meant to enhance quality of life; preserve and protect county buildings, systems and facilities; and maintain the Holding Center and Jail.
Chief among these investments is $20 million to strengthen public safety with a Regional Communications Trunked Radio System, which will update the existing critical infrastructure conventional communications system and technology, improving reliability, interoperability, consolidation of services, operational efficiency and enhanced countywide service. This project requires purchasing and installation of equipment, maintenance and services necessary to facilitate national Standard and best practice. In addition to these funds, Erie County will bond another $2.1 million for a refreshment of the E-911 Systems Equipment & Renewal of 911 Licensing, a project which will also require replacement of any obsolete hardware in the county’s E-911 system.
“Protecting public safety should be any elected official’s first and most important job, and it is one that my administration takes seriously. With these investments we are taking a huge step forward to connect multiple agencies in a lifesaving network, allowing for better and more flexible, efficient response to emergencies and crises,” said Poloncarz. “In the past, responders have been unable to communicate due to differences in equipment and technology, leading to confusion or duplication of response. Now we are working to change that and provide steadier, better support to the community with regional communications.”
Other county projects using 2026 CBR funding include countywide roof & building envelope improvements, energy conservation implementation initiatives, Agribusiness Park improvements, Renaissance Commerce Park improvements, countywide Parks improvements & ADA accessibility, and improvements to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.
The Erie County Holding Center and the Holding Center are the focus of other bonded projects in 2026, with $4.5 million for Sheriff’s Office mechanical, electrical, plumbing and miscellaneous improvements as well as $1 million for fencing improvements and design for future necessary improvements to both facilities.
“Last year the Legislature chose not to invest in a new jail and as a result, expenditures for the existing facilities remain. This includes planning for future needs while facing today’s realities, primarily that our facilities are out-of-date and will require large expenditures to maintain compliance and safety,” said Poloncarz.
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