Sen. Patty Ritchie joined local highway officials Wednesday to rally in support of increased funding for roads and bridges in the new state budget, which is currently being negotiated by lawmakers.

In addition to joining highway superintendents for a press conference, Ritchie also met with individuals from Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties to hear their concerns about roads and bridges throughout central and Northern New York.

“Making repairs and upgrades to our infrastructure is critically important not only to the safety of those who travel our roadways, but also to strengthening the economy,” said Ritchie.

“I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to see that the forthcoming state budget includes significant—and fair—investments in roads and bridges, which will help local governments more easily balance budgets, make travel safer, create jobs and boost economies statewide.”

Last year, Ritchie and her colleagues fought for a fair and regionally balanced transportation plan totaling $27.1 billion. While the Executive Budget was weighted toward downstate transportation projects, the Senate succeeded in ensuring parity with downstate on overall highway, bridge and transportation funding.