August, 2007

ROAD PROJECTS NEED TO MOVE AHEAD

Although I was happy to report recently that the funding is in place and reconstruction of Tonawanda Creek Road in Clarence will be moving forward, I am frustrated that arguing and disagreements among our leadership in Erie County has delayed other necessary road projects.

With the 2007 construction season underway in Erie County, the verbal back and forth disagreements and bickering between the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority and the Comptroller's and County Executive's offices regarding who should control bond funding for capital projects such as roads, bridges and culverts, have once again put a strain on the county's ability to maintain its roads and infrastructures.

The construction season in Western New York is so short to begin with, and it has gotten off to a slow start because of power struggles between those in charge.

Our county road system is desperately in need of repair and a $6 million paving blitz planned for this summer was in doubt because capital borrowing is not expected until late September or early October. On July 20th, the Erie County Budget Director announced that money will be fronted from the government's operating fund, then returned when the borrowed dollars arrive. Eventually, Erie County will be reimbursed from the New York State Comprehensive Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) for most of the money they spend on maintaining their roads.

Time is of the essence. Our infrastructure is a valuable commodity to the residents of Erie County, and roads and bridges must be maintained on a regular basis. It is unacceptable that a power struggle among the leaders responsible for capital borrowing further adds to the deteriorating condition of our roadways. Funding for 2007 should have been released in the Spring to get a start on the necessary work at the beginning of the construction season. You can't wait until July 20th to begin work that is weather sensitive.

Last year, public works projects were delayed due to the County Executive's reallocation of $9 million of the budgeted $11.2 million of transfer tax funds. As Legislator of the 4th District, I called for the full amount of transfer tax (the dedicated road fund) collected in Erie County to be allocated to road rehabilitation, or to eliminate this tax if it was diverted for other purposes since this revenue was intended to be used for fixing our roads in Erie County. The transfer tax shouldn't be allocated to other expenses such as salaries and benefits of County personnel or for general fund purposes. I will continue to fight for its proper use and move forward on much needed improvements in the repair of roads, bridges and culverts.

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