East Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Matt Slater joined Senator Pete Harckham and other officials to advocate for increased investments in New York's state roads. They highlighted the deteriorating infrastructure in the Hudson Valley, calling for more state funding to improve road safety and support economic growth.

"The Hudson Valley has the worst-rated roads in New York state, despite residents paying some of the highest taxes in the country. This unacceptable reality not only puts drivers at risk but also hinders economic growth and quality of life," said Slater.

Statistics from the New York State Department of Transportation indicate that 60% of Region 8 roads and half of its bridges are in poor condition, with over 40% of NYSDOT-maintained roads classified as poor. Additionally, bridge repair investments have decreased by nearly 20% year-over-year. The bipartisan effort led by Slater and Harckham seeks to secure necessary funding to address these issues.

"Albany must prioritize significant and sustained investment in our infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable and drivable roads for all. It’s time to deliver the resources our communities need to fix this long-standing issue and provide the quality infrastructure our region deserves," concluded Slater.

The officials emphasized that inadequate infrastructure leads to higher vehicle repair costs for residents and makes the area less attractive for businesses. They continue advocating for targeted funding in the upcoming state budget to maintain key highways and bridges.