Town of Canandaigua Hosts Regional Rally Supporting Local Road & Bridge Funding
The Town of Canandaigua Highway Facility recently served as the site of a regional rally advocating for increased state investment in local transportation infrastructure. The event was hosted by Town of Canandaigua Highway Superintendent Jim Fletcher and brought together state legislators, county officials, and highway leaders from across the region.
Local highway departments maintain approximately 87% of New York State’s roads and more than half of its bridges, yet the vast majority of those roads are not eligible for federal infrastructure funding. Statewide, the estimated combined pavement and bridge needs of local governments exceed $100 billion.
Talking points
The rally emphasized support for a proposed $250 million increase to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), along with maintaining funding levels for programs such as Extreme Winter Recovery, State Touring Routes, BRIDGE-NY, PAVE-NY, and POP.
“Our local highway departments are responsible for the roads residents travel every day,” said Superintendent Fletcher. “We are committed to maintaining them safely and efficiently, but funding must keep pace with inflation, material costs, and the growing demands placed on our system.”
Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey and Assemblyman Brian Manktelow attended the event in person. Representatives from Senator Pam Helming’s Office and Assemblyman Gallahan’s Office were also present, along with Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione. Representatives from the Ontario County Highway Department and Highway Superintendents from municipalities across the region attended in a unified show of support.
Extreme weather, freeze/thaw cycles, and rising construction costs continue to strain local highway budgets. Municipal leaders stressed that reliable and recurring funding is essential to maintaining safe roadways that support residents, businesses, emergency services, and school transportation.
The Town of Canandaigua remains committed to advocating for sustainable infrastructure investment that reflects the critical role local governments play in maintaining New York State’s transportation system.
