June 2008

Last Thursday, the Erie County Legislature approved its list of capital projects for 2008. The projects include some much needed repairs of our roads and county owned buildings, improvements to our parks, libraries and zoo, as well as projects for which we are contractually required, such as Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Road repairs are a significant portion of the capital projects list. Quality roads are vital to ensuring that our residents can safely get to work and school and enjoy our many cultural and recreational opportunities. Included on the list of projects are some major reconstruction projects like Wehrle Drive. Tonawanda Creek Road, after property acquisition is completed, will also move forward. In addition, many other roads are slated for repaving to eliminate pot holes that can cause damage to our cars and trucks and threaten the safety of motorists. Many road projects are eligible for state and federal matching funds, making Erie County is responsible for only 5% of the cost of repairs. Fixing our roads makes sense financially and for the safety of Erie County residents.

In addition to visible projects, such as road repairs, the capital projects list includes some less visible projects. Two such projects are improvements to records management, to ensure that your private information remains secure, and repairs to the Holding Center and Correctional Facility, to improve security and make escapes less likely. Although the majority of residents spend little time thinking about such projects, they are important to the safety and security of our families.

The next step in the process is to finance these projects with bonds. In addition to 2008, bonds to fund the 2007 capital projects have not yet been secured. The need for these projects is immediate. As such, the County Executive is working with the Control Board to identify the best way to meet the needs of Erie County taxpayers at the best price. A bond anticipation note will allow projects to begin quickly and still allow the County Executive and Control Board to work together to identify the best cost option for taxpayers. I will closely monitor their efforts and look forward to being presented with a sound bond plan to vote upon at the legislature.

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