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Tom Reed discussed his work with local officials to ensure the Southern Tier and Western New York receives its fair share of funding for local roads and bridges within the federal highway bill.

"I've heard from local officials across our region from Highway Superintendents to State Senators, and the message is clear: Western New York and the Southern Tier must receive its fair share of highway funding through the federal government," said Reed. "This kind of local investment helps keep the public safe, creates quality, family-sustaining jobs right here at home and protects the local taxpayers."

In response to this call to action, the House passed a bill which would provide funding for roads and bridges for the next three years, with the framework in place for an additional three years of funding.  The proposal creates a six year plan to invest in local infrastructure.

The House and the Senate are now working together to iron out differences in their respective proposals. An agreement must be reached before November 20 when the current highway funding arrangement will expire.

"Local taxpayers are paying the federal gasoline tax every time they fill up their tanks," said Reed. "The federal highway trust fund gets it's funding from that tax and it's critical that we see that revenue come right back to them by repairing the roads and bridges they rely on."

One-third of New York's major highways are considered to be in poor or fair condition, even as miles driven by the state's citizens are on the rise, leading to higher operating costs.

Reed went on to discuss the potential completion of Route 219 as a result of this funding bill.  The bill creates a program designed for large scale projects of national significance.

"We worked with the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Bill Shuster, to make sure funding for projects like 219, was incorporated into the bill," said Reed. "This gives New York a chance to compete on a fair playing field with other states, and with other projects within our state.  I'm hopeful Governor Cuomo will make the completion of 219 a priority as we go forward."

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