O'Mara Notes Localities To Receive Highway Improvement Funds

Assemblyman Tom O'Mara (R,C-Horseheads) today announced municipalities in the Southern Tier are slated to receive increases in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funds. The reimbursement program allows local governments to repair and maintain local roads.

As a formula-driven fund, the five-year CHIPs program takes into account population, traffic flow and rising construction material costs. The CHIPs allocation in this year's legislative state budget increases by $20 million over last year's total appropriation.

"The announcement of these additional funds comes at a time when some of the region's roadways are in need of additional attention due, in part, to age," said Assemblyman O'Mara. "Every town, village and city in my district can expect to see additional funds allocated in the 2006-07 Consolidated Highway Improvement Program."

O'Mara noted improvements made to local infrastructure have positive effects on economic development and quality of life. For example, O'Mara noted, the city of Elmira can expect a $49,112 increase in its CHIPs allocation. O'Mara also noted the town and village of Horseheads will receive a combined $22,317 increase; Big Flats, $12,854; Southport, $14,188; Hector, $27,078; Orange, $12,965; and Tyrone, $12,623. These and the other towns and villages in the district are to realize CHIPs hikes ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Assemblyman O'Mara's district includes Chemung, Schuyler and Tioga counties.