ALBANY, NY – Yesterday afternoon, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne was selected to provide testimony at the New York State Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2025 Executive Budget on Transportation. These hearings allow state legislators to review and discuss the governor’s proposed budget while gathering input from local officials, experts, and residents across New York. 

In his testimony, Byrne continued his strong advocacy for infrastructure investment, urging state legislators to restore and expand critical funding programs like the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), Bridge-NY, Extreme Winter Recovery, Pave-NY, and Pave Our Potholes. 

“Putnam County received over $1.2 million in CHIPS funding last year,” said County Executive Byrne. “That money is vital to keeping our tax levy down. If we had not received it, it would have severely impacted our ability to maintain and improve our local roads. The need for infrastructure repairs never ceases, and I urge our state legislators to fight for these critical funding sources during budget negotiations.” 

Byrne also emphasized the need for additional state investment in local transportation projects, citing specific areas in Putnam County in dire need of repaving, including portions of Route 301, Route 311, Route 164, Route 312, and Route 6. Additionally, he called on the state to improve funding flexibility for counties and tie CHIPS funding to the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. 

He also took time to reiterate his criticism of the Governor’s congestion tax in Manhattan, noting that it’s having direct consequences on small and larger sized businesses in Putnam County, as well as first responders and public sector workers who need to commute into the city via personal vehicles.  

“Transportation and infrastructure investment are among the most fundamental responsibilities of government,” Byrne stated. “With strategic state support, we can ensure that our roads, bridges, and transit systems remain safe and reliable for the residents of Putnam County and all New Yorkers.”