Rebuild NY Now Statewide Campaign Stops in Westchester County
Anūppur FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Gallagher
Salqīn December 16, 2015 212.681.1380
Rebuild NY Now Statewide Campaign Stops in Westchester County
Broad Coalition Calls for Parity in Yonkers
Yonkers, NY… Rebuild NY Now, a broad-based coalition seeking to raise public awareness about the issues impacting New York State’s infrastructure, continued its campaign and call for parity today standing in Yonkers with local elected officials, members of organized labor, and private local businesses. This diverse coalition stood together at a press conference at LOCATION to call on the Legislature and the Governor to include funding parity between the capital plans of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation in the 2016-17 Executive Budget.
Mike Elmendorf, President and CEO of Rebuild New York Now said, “A coalition unprecedented in its breadth and diversity has come together around this issue. Everyone from labor to Chambers of Commerce and elected officials from across New York have come together in Yonkers today because our crumbling roads and bridges are in serious need of attention and, more importantly, are in serious need of a multibillion dollar capital commitment from the State. Renewing a commitment to the historic parity agreement between roads and bridges and transit will not only create jobs and save New Yorkers money – but it will ensure the safety and well-being of Westchester families who every day ride on roads and bridges that are in a state of disrepair.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, “With $1 billion of private investment in our city, Yonkers is on the move. As we continue to grow, it’s more important than ever that infrastructure improvements keep pace. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the Legislature as we make the case to rebuild roads in bridges in Yonkers and across New York.”
“The decay of our roads and bridges has been an issue for me for so long, all the way back to my days in the Westchester County Legislature. We have made some progress, particularly with enhancement of CHIPS funding in previous budgets. However, Economic Development goes hand-in-hand with infrastructure, and we need to fix our roads and bridges now,” said Senator George Latimer (D-Westchester).
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef said, “I support investment in New York State’s infrastructure such as the new Tappan Zee Bridge which will lead to even more economic vitality to our region as well as enhancing the commute for our residents and tourists in the Hudson Valley.”
Assemblymember Shelley Mayer said, “For too long we have allowed New York’s infrastructure and transit systems to decay and fall into disrepair. Residents of Yonkers and Westchester County need both mass transit and sound infrastructure of roads and bridges. These investments provide good paying jobs and facilitate growth in our economy. I join my colleagues and advocates in calling for a comprehensive plan and the funding necessary to carry it out.”
Michael G. O’Connor, Town of Ossining Highway Superintendent and NYSAOTSOH member said, “The travelling public depends on all of us to maintain local roads and bridges in a safe and affordable manner. The CHIPs program is distributed by formula to every municipality in New York and as such is the most efficient and equitable way to fund local infrastructure. We urge New York’s decision makers to increase funding for transportation infrastructure, we must Rebuild NY Now.”
John Ravitz Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Business Council of Westchester said, “It is imperative that as we look to recruit news businesses and encourage existing businesses to grow in Westchester County we are able to provide them with a solid functioning and safe infrastructure. Businesses need to know that Westchester’s roads, bridges and tunnels are user friendly for them. It is the only way to keep New York’s economy moving.”
About Rebuild NY Now
Rebuild NY Now is a partnership of supporters seeking to raise public awareness about the issues impacting New York State’s infrastructure. The coalition actively engages federal and state elected officials to support public policies that promote safe roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure.
As part of its effort to educate the public and our federal and state policy makers, Rebuild NY Now promotes relevant research, data points and news reports that highlight the need to rebuild New York State’s deteriorating infrastructure.
Supporters of Rebuild NY Now are committed to advocating for appropriate investment in the state’s deteriorating roads and bridges.
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