Upstate infrastructure investments need parity with downstate investments, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last week, and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is glad to hear him say it.

"I’m encouraged to hear Gov. Cuomo supports upstate infrastructure investments," Russell said.

"New York is at its best when all regions are treated fairly, and bringing parity to the state’s infrastructure funding will spur economic growth by linking upstate producers to downstate markets and encouraging downstate tourists to explore more of the state,” said the assemblywoman, whose district includes all St. Lawrence County towns along the St. Lawrence River (Massena, Ogdensburg, Louisville, Waddington, Lisbon, Oswegatchie, Morristown, and Hammond) plus the towns of Canton, Potsdam, Rossie, Macomb, and DePeyster.

Gov. Cuomo told reporters in Rochester on Wednesday he agreed with a push from a coalition of construction, trade and business groups that are calling for parity in infrastructure projects upstate.

“They’re right,” Cuomo said. “We always fund transportation needs all around the state and we need to fund them upstate and we need to fund them downstate. There’s no doubt about that.”

“I’ve supported a five-year funding commitment that would allow businesses and governments to perform much needed, long-term planning while expanding employment opportunities in communities that desperately need new, well-paying jobs,” Russell said in a press release.

“I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the state Legislature to give New York’s economy a much needed boost," the assemblywoman said.