Ortt, members of WNY delegation & FAIR advocate for state touring routes program

Submitted by the Office of New York State Sen. Rob Ortt

On Monday, New York State Sen. Rob Ortt, along with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Assemblyman Paul Bologna, and representatives from FAIR, called for the continuation of state touring routes funding, and for municipalities receiving funding to fully utilize it. The state touring route program was designed to provide capital funds to municipalities for the construction and repair of vital infrastructure including highways, bridges, and other transportation facilities.

In 2020, the New York State Legislature created the state touring route program to provide additional financial support to cities, towns and villages based on mileage of state touring routes they are responsible for maintaining. Prior to this program, it was the obligation of the municipality to pay for these repairs or improvements. Funding is based on the amount of miles in a municipality, and has been included in the state budget since the program's inception.

This program is different from CHIPS funding in that not all municipalities qualify for funding, but it is similar in that STR operates as a reimbursement for money spent by municipalities. Reimbursement is eligible for costs related to repairs and construction of roads, bridges/culverts, railroad crossings, traffic control devices, lighting and more.

One of the biggest issues with the program is municipalities not being able to fully utilize the funds available.

“Based on the underutilization of the state touring route program, some of my colleagues are considering axing this important funding,” Ortt said. “For instance, in my Senate district alone, nearly $34 million is available to the municipalities that qualify for this program, which remains out of the current funding. This is millions of dollars that should be put toward repairing our roads for commuters – and if we need to make changes to the current program allowing for the full utilization of this money, we should, as it will be to the benefit of our communities.”

Morinello said, “The state touring route program is a critical lifeline for local governments that are responsible for maintaining designated tourism routes with limited local resources. When this funding goes unused, it puts the entire program at risk and shortchanges taxpayers who depend on safe, well-maintained infrastructure. We need to ensure municipalities have both the flexibility and the support necessary to fully utilize these funds so our roads, bridges and transportation systems get the repairs they deserve.”

Bologna said, “We go to Albany to fight for our region and deliver real results for our communities. State touring route and CHIPS funding are absolutely critical to maintaining winter-battered roads, bridges and infrastructure across my district. When state touring route dollars go underutilized, it weakens the argument for continued investment – especially because local governments are best positioned to utilize these funds more efficiently and effectively than state entities. Local government knows what the community needs and where the funding would be best spent.”

Brad Buyers, FAIR coordinator of local infrastructure programs, said, “The FAIR group, composed of transportation contractors and suppliers that advocate for addressing our infrastructure needs, was instrumental in getting the STR funding put in place, and we want to see our communities take full advantage of the program. We are attempting to reach out to local governments to help them better understand the program and hopefully work with them to advance road and bridge projects using these funds."

Ortt has offered to meet with stakeholders in these municipalities or facilitate meetings with transportation experts who can provide guidance in meeting program requirements and spending STR funds properly.