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Tom Reed applauded the start of construction projects throughout the region. The move comes in the wake of the passage of the first long-term federal funding bill for roads and bridges in a decade.

"It's great to see the road and bridge projects get underway across the Southern Tier, Western New York and the Finger Lakes," said Reed. "It's only right that we ensure our local roads and bridges are maintained and we will continue to fight for our fair share of federal highway funding because these improvements mean jobs right here at home."

The federal highway funding bill was passed by Congress late last year and allocated $305 billion to fund maintenance and improvements on local highway systems and bridges through 2020. The funds that are being administered by the state are often coupled with federal sources.

The proposal included specific funds for roads and bridges in rural areas, public transit systems and new systems for the movement of commercial traffic. In conjunction with new funding, the bill reduces bureaucratic requirements for construction projects making it easier to get projects started at a lower cost, helping local taxpayers. The bill also did not raise the federal gas tax.

The need for improvements to roads and bridges is clear, as New York has one bridge for every six miles of roadways in the state. 50 percent of these bridges are 75 years or older. Within the 23rd Congressional District, there are almost 800 bridges that do not meet many new federal capacity and safety standards.

Additionally, 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 which leads to higher operating costs.

"This funding is moving us in the right direction. We have a lot of work to accomplish but we are hopeful that everyone will be able to enjoy smoother roads and safer bridges," Reed concluded.

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