Coalition of Business, Labor, Industry, and Municipalities Call for Additional Investment in New York’s Transportation Infrastructure
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Albany, NY – In a letter to the Governor and the New York State Legislature, a broad coalition of organizations representing New York’s economy, including business, labor, industry, and municipalities, is urging an additional $950 million investment in the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) capital program in the upcoming FY27 Executive Budget. This critical investment will support the safety and efficiency of roads, bridges, and public transportation systems across New York State, ensuring that essential infrastructure keeps pace with growing demands and deteriorating conditions.
“Investing in our roads and bridges not only improves safety but also makes traveling more affordable for motorists and businesses, saving money on repairs, fuel, and time,” said Mike Elmendorf, President & CEO of AGC NYS. “With increasing costs and deteriorating conditions, we cannot afford to fall behind. We strongly urge the Governor and the Legislature to allocate an additional $950 million to the NYSDOT’s capital program in FY27 to continue this vital work.”
The coalition applauds Governor Hochul’s leadership in adding $800 million to the NYSDOT capital program in the FY26 State Budget to mitigate inflation and protect jobs in the construction sector. These funds have allowed the NYSDOT to address essential repairs and maintain key transportation projects that keep New Yorkers safe and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services. However, the need for continued investment remains pressing.
Recent NYSDOT road and bridge condition data highlights the urgent need for additional funding. New York ranks 45th in the nation for the percentage of major roadway pavements in good condition, a 30% decline over the past five years. Additionally, 46% of New York’s bridges are considered deficient, with 27% (4,431) showing significant deterioration in critical structural components, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
In 2022, the State’s five-year transportation plan was created to address these challenges, but unforeseen inflation, supply chain issues, and tariffs on materials have driven up the cost of construction, leading to a growing gap between funding and the need for repairs. Despite the additional $800 million in the FY26 budget, the NYSDOT’s latest pavement condition report reveals that New York still faces 14,906 lane miles of road in fair or poor condition.
The coalition remains committed to supporting New York’s transportation infrastructure and urges the Governor and Legislature to prioritize this critical investment in the upcoming budget. By doing so, New York can continue its efforts to repair and modernize its transportation system, improving safety, reducing costs for drivers, and supporting economic growth for all New Yorkers.
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For more information about AGC NYS, please visit www.agcnys.org.
AGC NYS is New York’s largest statewide contractor association providing advocacy and education for contractors and affiliated firms helping grow the State’s economy and constructing its $30 billion annual building, transportation, civil and environmental infrastructure.
