January 2025

The Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley applauds Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to boost by more than $1 billion in additional transportation resources in her executive budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. This increase demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the state’s roads and bridges, addressing infrastructure needs, and supporting economic growth across New York.

ALBANY—Heeding the prolonged and fervent calls from construction industry advocates to address the erosion to purchasing power caused by four years of punishing inflation, Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2026 Executive Budget message on Tues., Jan. 21, included $800 million in additional funding for roads and bridges statewide.

While the governor and the State Legislature must now hold discussions on the budget—and changes are expected in some key areas—the additional funding for roads and bridges necessary to upgrade deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in the Hudson Valley, has been supported by key leaders in the State Assembly and Senate for the past three years.

Led by the New York Roadway and Infrastructure Coalition and the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc., applauding her proposed increase in funding to address the shortfalls to meet project costs and maintenance efforts.

YONKERS—Of the many casino projects vying for a full casino gaming license from the New York State Gaming Commission, MGM Resorts here in Westchester went before a municipal board on Jan. 8 as part of the review process to win City approval in advance of the filing application deadline of June 27, 2025.

NEW YORK—Will the new revenues streaming from congestion tolling infuse public coffers with enough money to fill the budget deficit in the MTA’s capital program—estimated at $33 billion?

ALBANY—In advance of her 2025 State of the State address on Jan. 14, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of funding initiatives geared at addressing the housing shortage and affordability crisis, improving Metro North rail service in the Hudson Valley region and child care facility construction.

Sen. Pete Harckham – I have been fighting for increased investments in New York’s roadway and clean water infrastructure since taking office in the State Senate for three simple reasons: to protect the safety and public health of residents, to support the creation of good union jobs and to bolster future economic development that will benefit our communities in myriad ways.

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Transportation has received a $32-million grant to advance the use of low carbon materials in construction
projects.

ALBANY—The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors recently approved more than $428 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Board’s approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water and improvements that will modernize aging systems.

The case of Electrical Contracting Solutions Corp. v Trump Village Section 4 Inc., reported here last June reminded contractors that, where a license is required to perform work, it is also a requirement to recover in court for such unpaid work. In that case, an appellate court held that where the contractor that entered into the contract for licensed work was not licensed, it was not able to recover—even though it performed that work with a licensed subcontractor.

ALBANY—Funding for a major transportation program designed to increase rail service capacity, reduce delays, improve safety and cut potential travel times in the Hudson Valley will be part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State next week. On Sun., Jan. 5, the governor called for a major investment that will create a “Super-Express” Metro-North service that would shorten reliable commuter transport between New York City and Poughkeepsie to less than 90 minutes.