Our roads and infrastructure take quite a beating during winter months. Road salt and freeze/thaw cycles lead to potholes and other concerns. Towns, villages and counties within New York State rely on the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) to help fund maintenance and improvements for our local roads. Despite an increase in the cost of materials, the Governor has not increased the funding for that program. The bi-partisan New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways is calling for the State Legislature to increase the CHIPS funding by $250 million and I am in full support of their efforts. Taxpayers in Western New York cannot continue to send so much of their hard-earned money downstate for programs like capital improvements projects for the Metro Transit Authority while not receiving appropriate funds for our needs. The Erie County Legislature acted in a bi-partisan way recently to approve a resolution calling for an increase to the CHIPS funding.
As work continues on the new Buffalo Bills stadium, it is important the public has a say in new development in that vicinity. You can let your voice be heard at a public open house on February 27th from 4:30pm to 7pm at the Orchard Park Community Activity Center Auditorium located at 4600 California Road. There will also be an online feedback opportunity beginning on February 28th. The new stadium is a once-in-a-generation project, and the subsequent development opportunities that will follow should be representative of the residents’ hopes and expectations. I encourage all who can participate to do so.
I am deeply troubled by recent incidents at several Correctional Facilities in New York State. I hope the three injured Collins corrections officers are doing ok after an inmate uprising there and am relieved the situation now seems under control. However, in the past few months eight officers were hurt at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden and two more at Albion Correctional Facility in Orleans County. Short staffing has resulted in these corrections officers working double and triple shifts. That cannot continue. The men and women in uniform are exhausted, and this provides for absolutely no work-life balance. We must do better for these officers.
I am encouraged by efforts at the federal level to pause offshore wind developments. We are so fortunate to live along two of the great lakes. They are our greatest resource and treasure. Protecting their natural beauty, wildlife habitats and water quality should never be a partisan issue. It is about preserving our way of life, our local economy, and our region’s most vital natural resource.
I want to thank all the students who participated in this year’s Valentines for Veterans program. You certainly brought a smile to so many of our local heroes who were grateful for your messages of appreciation.
If you have a county related issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 716-858-8850, or by email John.Mills@erie.gov As always, thank you for the honor of serving you.
