Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, plans to continue fighting for local governments during the run-up to the adoption of the 2015-2016 budget due April 1.
“Money should be appropriated based upon fairness and recognition of local needs,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “There’s too much focus on regional competitions for funding and not enough on ensuring basic infrastructure needs are being met here in the North Country. We shouldn’t have to fight for the funding we deserve.”
“Local governments are already having to fight against Mother Nature when it comes to repairing their water and sewer systems and roads,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I’m going to continue to do what’s right for the North Country by fighting to fund the basic services which lay the groundwork for economic growth,”
In Sackets Harbor, for example, the village has seen several water main breaks on its 180-year old system covering the business district.
“We’re expecting more breaks as the snow and ice thaws,” Mayor Vincent J. Battista said. “It’s important for us to sure up existing infrastructure now so we can build for the future.”
Mayor Battista said the village needs a massive overhaul of part of its water and sewer systems in the next two-years, but businesses and residents also need a workable system in the interim and they shouldn’t have to compete with other communities for such a basic necessity.
In Ogdensburg, Mayor William D. Nelson said they’ve had more than 40 major water or sewer pipes freeze up this winter with major repairs expected.
“Just keeping our system operational is eating into our budget,” Mayor Nelson said. “We need reliable funding; nothing stimulates the economy better than working infrastructure that businesses can depend on.”
Assemblywoman Russell noted that she is supportive of the Assembly’s budget plan to increase funding to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) by $40 million for repairing upstate roads and bridges damaged by harsh weather and will continue to push for a larger increase.
Additionally Assemblywoman Russell is supporting $250 million in funding for local communities like Sackets Harbor and Ogdensburg that have seen their water systems fail due to years of harsh weather and inadequate funding.