Politics
Ulbrich Endorses call for Dedicated Highway Fund
By
Aug 24, 2007, 10:38

Erie County Legislature Candidate Tom Ulbrich (5th District) has announced that he fully supports a proposed local law that will annually dedicate existing county funds toward road and bridge maintenance and construction, as well as other infrastructure improvements. Current Erie County Legislators John J. Mills, Michael H. Ranzenhofer, and Barry A. Weinstein, MD plan to advance the proposal when the Legislature returns to session in September. Ulbrich stressed this dedicated fund will increase the attention County roadways receive, but in no way will increase taxes because the money is already a part of Erie County’s general operating fund. A dedicated fund will guarantee that an appropriate amount of money is being reserved to repair Erie County’s aging roadways, especially in rural areas, like much of the 5th Legislative District.

“It’s the duty of county government to provide the taxpayers with safe and reliable infrastructure,” said Ulbrich. “Sound infrastructure is a key component in any effort to bring new businesses and job opportunities to Erie County. We can’t ignore this very real problem any longer. As I go door-to-door all across the 5th District, taxpayers tell me again and again how concerned they are about the condition of our roadways and bridges. With more than 20 percent of county lane miles in the 5th District, I have made road and bridge repair a priority and it’s time Erie County government does the same. I fully support this proposed local law and hope the Legislature Majority sees its importance.”

On average, without borrowing, Erie County spends approximately $1.6 million annually to provide road maintenance by patching potholes, chipping and oiling, and repaving. Legislators Mills, Ranzenhofer and Weinstein feel that to appropriately maintain an infrastructure of its size, Erie County needs to dedicate close to $10 million annually.

“This plan can be accomplished with no additional tax increases by reprioritizing the way Erie County spends its finite budget,” said Ulbrich. “The hardworking, overburdened taxpayers of our community deserve a better return on their tax dollars and safe and well maintained roads and bridges.”


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