News from Senator Hugh T. Farley

For more information contact: Senator Farley, 518-455-2181

Senator Farley Announces Increased State Aid for Local Roads and Bridges

State Budget Includes $13.5 Million for 44th Senate District

ALBANY, NY (04/07/2008; 1410)(readMedia)-- State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) announced that local governments in his four-county Senate District will receive nearly $13.5 million in State aid for local road and bridge projects, an increase of more than $2 million over last year. The funds are included in the 2008-09 Transportation and Economic Development budget bill which has passed both Houses of the Legislature.

"For most of us, properly-maintained roads and bridges represent one of the most visible services which we buy with our tax dollars," Senator Farley said. "This increase in State aid will help local highway departments keep up with the increasing costs of road maintenance without being forced to increase real property taxes."

Municipalities in Fulton County will receive about $2.28 million in State highway aid, an increase of $360,000 over last year. The County highway department will see a $106,000 increase, Gloversville will receive an additional $49,000, Johnstown will get $37,500 more, and the towns and villages will share the remainder. Overall, this represents an average 18.7 percent increase over last year.

In Montgomery County, aid will total $3.14 million, up by $491,500. The County highway department gets a $282,000 increase, Amsterdam will receive $68,500 more, and the rest will be shared among the towns and villages. The countywide average increase is 18.6 percent.

Schenectady County, geographically the smallest in the Senate District, will receive $3 million in total highway aid, an increase of $447,000. The County highway department will see a $164,000 increase, the City of Schenectady will get $167,000 more, and the rest will be distributed among the towns and villages. Overall, this is a 17.5 percent increase over last year.

Senator Farley represents part of Saratoga County. Countywide, total aid is $5.04 million, up by $752,500. Of the increase, $263,400 goes to the County highway department, while Saratoga Springs will see $78,700 more. The overall average increase is 17.5 percent.

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