Congressman Brindisi: It's Time New York Got Its Fair Share of Federal Infrastructure Funding

Statement

Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) today announced his plan to bring increased federal investment in New York for much-needed infrastructure projects.

Standing in front of a bridge with clear signs of wear under the New York State Thruway in the Herkimer County Town of Schuyler, Brindisi was joined today by representatives of area labor unions who support his efforts to improve transportation and infrastructure in upstate New York.

"New York receives far less in federal funding than it contributes--and that needs to change," said Brindisi. "That's why I'm co-sponsoring legislation that takes into consideration not only the amount of funding New York contributes to the Highway Trust Fund, but also the amount of federal tax revenue collected here. I have joined the Bipartisan Payer State Caucus to work on getting New York its fair share of federal funding."

Brindisi says The Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act would boost Highway Trust Funding for New York by about 22 percent, or over $400 million annually to provide repairs to roads, highways, bridges, ports, railroad tracks, buses, and other forms of mass transit, and he will push for its passage. The legislation is set to be introduced in the coming months.

Last month, the Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany issued a report stating that the balance of payments to New York to and from the federal government is the least favorable of any U.S. state--an estimated imbalance of -$35.6 billion. New York currently gets only 86 cents for every dollar sent to the federal government. The Institute projects the situation will likely get worse due to federal tax reforms that took effect for 2018 tax filers.

Brindisi joined the House Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chairs, to urge quick action on funding for road and bridge projects; updating the country's electrical transmission system; and additional investments in needed water treatment and transit programs.

Lastly, Brindisi is a co-sponsor of legislation, "Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy' (H.R. 510), a bill to permanently extend the 50 percent railroad track maintenance credit for regional and short line railroads.

"Rail transportation is an efficient and economical way for businesses and farmers to deliver their products," said Brindisi. "We need to ensure that our rail system is safe and reliable, and this legislation will help accomplish that goal."

Brindisi has been meeting with local leaders this week in NY-22 to discuss infrastructure needs. On Monday, he met with representatives of the Town of Windsor in Broome County about the need for improved water service, and on Tuesday, he toured the Mohawk Valley Water Authority's filtration plant to discuss proposed projects to improve their system. He says he will continue to meet with officials and residents of the region to work on solutions for these issues.

"Local infrastructure projects generate economic activity in the community and help businesses prosper," said Tom Zalocha, Area Representative for the Building and Construction Trades. "There is a dire need for more funding for transportation projects, for the safety of the public. Residents of upstate New York often drive a considerable distance every day to get to work or school or go to appointments, and they depend on a safe, reliable infrastructure system to travel on."

"When you travel around Upstate New York, it's obvious communities need more help to improve aging infrastructure systems," said Brindisi. "The bridge in Herkimer County has received funding for improvements, but there are many other projects across the state like it that need to be fixed up. Making this plan a priority with our partners in labor, industry, and business will help create jobs and improve the quality of life for Upstate New Yorkers."

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