Democrat Mike Derrick of Peru, the only challenger so far to Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, says Congresswoman Stefanik and House Republicans punted on passing a long-term solution for funding necessary highway construction projects.

Instead they passed a three-week funding measure.

“Federal transportation funding is particularly critical for roads and bridges in the North Country, Derrick said. “According to 2014 data compiled by Transit Labs, 35% of bridges are either deemed “structurally deficient” or “functionally obsolete” in New York’s 21st congressional district.”

“Over one third of our bridges in the North Country are deemed deficient or obsolete, but instead of offering long-term funding solutions for improvements and repairs and creating good paying jobs, Congresswoman Stefanik and her House Republican colleagues once again kicked the can down the road,” Derrick said. “We need leaders in Congress who will get the job done and put the North Country first, ahead of national party politics and Washington infighting.”

Derrick grew up in Peru and served in the Army for 28 years. For more information, visit www.DerrickForCongress.com.