The Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley (CIC) today applauded the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul for the significant increase in road repair funding included in the newly adopted 2025-26 state budget.
The budget allocates an additional $800 million for the NYS DOT Core Program and an extra $50 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program known as CHIPS.
“In a challenging financial year, it is particularly gratifying that the governor and legislators recognized the need for additional funding that keeps pace with inflation and enables us to engage in a robust road repair program,” said John Cooney Jr., Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley. “This significant commitment will allow us to make real progress in improving the safety and reliability of our infrastructure throughout the Hudson Valley. We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and the entire Hudson Valley state legislative delegation for their leadership and unwavering support.”
This landmark investment comes at a critical time for the region, particularly within the New York State Department of Transportation’s Region 8, which the CIC serves. Region 8, encompassing Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties, faces the most challenging road conditions in the entire state.
The increased allocations directly address the dramatic inflationary pressures that have significantly impacted the cost of road projects.
The adopted budget earmarks a total of $3.4 billion for the CORE program, representing a substantial 37% increase over the previous year. This additional funding will enable the state DOT to complete crucial projects outlined in its current five-year plan, which is now in its fourth year.
The CHIPS program will receive a total of $648 million, an 8.4% increase from the prior year. This boost in funding for local roads will have a tangible impact on communities throughout the Hudson Valley. For example, a community like Ossining is projected to see an 8% to 9% increase in state funding for vital local road repairs.
The CIC emphasized that this increased funding will not only improve road conditions for residents and businesses but will also create and sustain vital jobs within the construction industry throughout the region.
About the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley:
The Construction Industry Council of Westchester & the Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC) is a non-profit trade association representing contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other firms engaged in the construction industry in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties (New York State Department of Transportation Region 8). The CIC works to promote a healthy and robust construction industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
