President of highway superintendents group: Use $3.3 billion settlement to repair roads and bridges

[hrmjustin]

Robert Harding

Tim Hens sees the New York's share — nearly $3.3 billion — of a settlement with French bank BNP Paribas as a golden opportunity for the state to make much-needed investments in bridges and roads.

Hens, who serves as Genesee County's highway superintendent and heads the state County Highway Superintendents Association, called on the state this week to use the money for bridge and road repairs.

"When the state comes across a windfall, there's really not a better place to spend it," Hens said.

To fund infrastructure projects, Hens said the state has relied heavily on gas tax revenue. But the revenues haven't been enough to keep up with the state's infrastructure needs.
http://auburnpub.com/blogs/eye_on_ny/president-of-highway-superintendents-group-use-billion-settlement-to-repair/article_a1f22fb4-b63d-5c66-8ce1-3e2de7a4bfef.html

[NYC_SKP]

1. We've sure let things go all to hell, re: infrastructure (bridges, highways, the grid, etc.).

And it boils down to not wanting to tax the rich at the levels at which they once were taxed.

It's amazing.

Thankfully, in my parts of California, I've seen more projects, interstates and local streets, launching during Obama's admin than during the prior three administrations, maybe more.

It's as close to a FDR style WPA effort as I've ever seen, but it's not nearly enough.

We will all pay for the neglect one day soon, regular people, the middle class, while the upper crust enjoy their vulgar riches.

[hrmjustin]

2. Our infrastructure here in NY is in crisis.

The rail tracks to the north country is falling apart.

[hrmjustin]

3. editorial: Highway robbery: Congress passes another short-term fix to fund road projects

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20140804/OPINION/140809871