Erie County Legislator and Minority Leader John Mills spoke out in favor of a resolution calling on Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to increase funding to address maintenance of local infrastructure. The Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) is a New York State program that provides funding to counties, towns and villages for the construction and repair of highways, bridges, and other facilities. It has proven to be a critical funding source for localities.
“I represent a district that is suburban and rural. These towns and villages, as well as Erie County, rely heavily on CHIPS funding to ensure proper repairs are made. Without the necessary funding levels, these communities can’t perform the needed maintenance, and when roads are unsafe to drive on, residents are put at risk,” said Legislator Mills.
The cost of construction materials has increased significantly over the past few years, with inflation and other economic issues largely to blame. However, Governor Hochul’s proposed 2026 fiscal year budget does not account for those increases. As such, the funding doesn’t go as far. The New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways is requesting the State Legislature increase the CHIPS funding by $250 million.
“It really is a matter of public safety. Roads here take a beating with the road salt and our challenging winters. The Governor, as well as state lawmakers need to recognize not only the real need for road maintenance here, but also the rising costs associated with that, and increase CHIPS funding accordingly,” said Legislator Mills.
A resolution passed in the Erie County Legislature on February 6, calling on the state to act accordingly by increasing CHIPS funding in the 2026 fiscal year budget.
