My time as the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee is just beginning, but the work to modernize and build new infrastructure across the state is already underway. The key is to secure state and federal dollars and then fast-track building contracts to get New Yorkers to work. I am committed to aggressively advancing a statewide infrastructure agenda, but also recognize that each region first needs to prioritize projects for their long-term growth. I respect the regional diversity of our large state, and while I may represent an upstate city (Rochester), my wife is proudly from Long Island. So, here I am.
This summer, I made my first visit to Long Island as transportation chairman, an opportunity to see firsthand the services and infrastructure available to Long Islanders. I rented a car at the airport and jumped on the LIE to head to Suffolk County. I believe that navigating the roadways and driving through communities is the best way to fully understand the needs of the region.
I want to thank John Corrado for his insights and for inviting me to visit Suffolk Transportation Service. Throughout my entire career, I’ve been a dedicated supporter of public transit systems, which I believe are the key to connecting our communities and removing barriers to housing, employment, and healthcare. During this visit, I not only witnessed John’s commitment to safe and reliable transit, but I also caught a glimpse into the future of our transit systems statewide. STS’ all-electric bus fleet is the model for other regions and proof that the time to embrace cleaner, greener transportation technologies has arrived.
But it’s more than vehicles, it’s also about safe roadways, bridges, and contemporized designs for moving people across the Island. As chairman, I will be a strong and vocal advocate for significant investments in our state’s infrastructure and capital plans. Whether it’s fully funding the next plan for MTA and NYSDOT projects, investing in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), or increasing funds for state touring routes—we need to think bigger and bolder about how we establish New York as the standard for 21st-century infrastructure. These investments are about safety, reliability, job growth, and creating a transportation system that improves New Yorkers’ quality of life.
In this year’s state budget, when cuts were proposed to these programs, I joined my Long Island colleagues in the legislature to fight back and we reversed the cut. This is the same energy I will bring to future budgets, and especially now as we work to fully fund the MTA’s capital plans. I want to make it clear that as chairman, our top priority has to be fully funding these critical infrastructure projects. Long Island, and our entire state economy, depend on a strong MTA, and it’s our responsibility to make sure we’re delivering the best possible system for those who rely on its services.
Regardless of how anyone feels about congestion pricing, there should be no question that we can’t ignore this funding issue and that we must find a solution that results in more jobs and increased passenger safety.
The time is now to invest in our road, rail, and air infrastructure to create jobs. The road ahead is endless, as is the potential of transportation to better all of our daily lives. Jump in, let’s go.