Senate ‘One-House Budget’ Proposal Boosts Transportation Investments
ALBANY—As the governor and the State Legislature continue negotiations on the 2025-2026 State Budget, State Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) put into context the road, bridge and mass transit funding proposals of his chamber’s “One House” budget proposal that was released last week.
With a lengthy list of examples, he explained that the Senate is prioritizing the future of transportation in New York—from connecting workers to job opportunities and supporting public transit systems to moving the needle on high-speed rail.
“This budget is about embracing new technologies like high-speed rail, breaking down barriers to transportation by supporting public transit, and making it easier than ever for New Yorkers to get from Point A to Point B,” he said. Among the One-House Budget’s transportation priorities are:
• Language to protect workers through expanded criminal assault penalties against transit and highway workers, and through an expanded work zone speed camera program.
• $500,000 for a high-speed rail corridor study—This funding would help New York examine if land owned by the Thruway Authority are viable for high-speed rail lines.
• $10 million for a Workforce Transit Equity Fund.
• A 15% increase for public transit funding, adding $82 million for non-MTA transit systems across New York that can be used for more frequent routes and infrastructure upgrades.
• $250 million, an increase of $50 million, for capital funds for non-MTA transit systems, while proposing the creation of a new five-year capital plan for non-MTA systems to use for planning and delivering capital improvements.
• $2.3 billion total in capital investments. These are funds that will be used to improve roads, bridges, and public transportation across New York. $723.1 million, an increase of $125 million, for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), funds that go directly toward the repair and upkeep of local roads and bridges.
• $125 million, an increase of $25 million, for the Extreme Winter Recovery, funds that go to local roads and bridges to help repair roads after harsh winter weather.
• $175 million, an increase of $25 million, to PAVE NY, funds that go to counties and municipalities to help repair broken pavement.
• $170 million, an increase of $30 million, for State Touring Routes, funds that go to cities to help maintain and repair its aging infrastructure.
• $225 million, an increase of $25 million, to BRIDGE NY, funds that go directly toward the repair and replacement of county and local bridges.
• $250 million in new money for a third round of the Airport Competition Fund, which provides grants to improve airports outside of NYC.
• $25 million, an increase of $12.5 million, for the Airport Capital Grant program, funds that go toward airport maintenance.
For the complete list of program funding and increases, read the April edition of CONSTRUCTION NEWS, www.cicbca.org.