2007 NYSAC Press Releases
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County and State Officials Meet to Discuss Bridges
September 27, 2007
County highway officials met with the head of the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) this week to discuss concerns about the state of the counties roads and bridges. The meeting with DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn was coordinated by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), which has been meeting with members of Governor Eliot Spitzer’s administration since early this year to talk about mutual concerns.
“It was a constructive meeting. Commissioner Glynn made some important observations about our aging infrastructure, and specifically about the need to implement an aggressive preventative maintenance plan for our critical infrastructure,” said Stephen J. Acquario, NYSAC executive director. “Clearly, we need to work together to save taxpayer dollars and better serve the traveling public.”
At the NYSAC Annual Fall Seminar last week, county delegates passed a series of transportation-related resolutions, calling for:
· the establishment of a new bridging and culvert program,
· greater state committee to the safety and integrity of the local infrastructure, and
· the creation of a grant program to assist local governments with dam rehabilitation projects.
“Each year we make an effort to raise awareness in Albany about our local issues and concerns. The State DOT is an important partner in our regional communities. Working together, we can make progress toward improving our roads, bridges and culverts across the state,” said Monroe County Department of Transportation Director Terrence Rice, who sits on the executive committee of the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association. "We have consistently urged state officials to provide more resources to address the serious deteriorating conditions of our highways and bridges."
The NYSCHSA backed legislation, called the Bridge and Road Investment and Dedicated Fund Guaranteed Enforcement (BRIDGE) Reform Act, would initiate a five-year phase-out of non-bridge and road expenditures that are currently the responsibility of the DHBTF, freeing-up an additional $750 million to be directed exclusively for bridge and highway construction and repair.
“The traveling public expects our infrastructure to be safe, and it is our job as public servants to make sure we do all we can to ensure the safety of our motorists and pedestrians,” said Wayne County Highway Superintendent James Brady, who is the first vice-president of NYSCHSA. “This meeting came at a critical time as state and county officials are preparing necessary spending plans for the 2008 calendar year. Commissioner Glynn was receptive to our concerns and we look forward to partnering to build a better and stronger New York.”
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
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For more information about NYSAC, our advocacy efforts or specific reporter requests or questions, contact Mark LaVigne or call NYSAC at 518-465-1473.
2007 Press Releases
- Albany County Executive Michael Breslin Receives Excellence in Leadership Award--June 20, 2007
- NYSAC to Host Municipal Energy Coalition's Bid Opening for Renewable Energy Credits-- June 19, 2007