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Ceretto discusses importance of infrastructure investment in Western New York

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Fri, Mar 6th 2015 05:10 pm

Says state should prioritize infrastructure improvements by fixing frozen pipes in Niagara Falls

Republican Assemblyman John Ceretto rallied alongside infrastructure advocates to educate the public on the importance of maintaining a high-quality infrastructure. Ceretto lent his support to a rally held in Albany on the importance of maintaining roads and highways, as well as a rally in Buffalo advocating for increased investment in infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure needs have become a high priority for Ceretto in light of the ongoing issues being caused by frozen water pipes in Niagara Falls.

In Buffalo, Ceretto joined Rebuild New York Now, a coalition of advocates for maintaining high-quality infrastructure, to encourage spending a portion of the money from the state's $5 billion surplus on improving infrastructure. Ceretto noted infrastructure needs have taken on increased importance in Niagara Falls with the news residents are going without water, because aging water pipes are freezing in the area. The latest reports show 221 residents suffering with frozen pipes. This is the second year in a row frozen pipes have been a problem.

Ceretto said state money is available, and a portion should be used to fix these pipes and ensure this doesn't happen again.

"If any case study proves the importance of maintaining infrastructure, it's the frozen water pipes in Niagara Falls," he said. "We have residents who do not have reliable access to clean water and are forced to spend their hard-earned money on overpriced bottled water. Not only are these frozen pipes a massive inconvenience, they are costing people a lot of money. This problem is entirely preventable with well-maintained water pipes, and underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure projects."

In Albany, Ceretto stood with a bipartisan coalition of 114 legislators to call for increased investments to maintain local roads and highways through the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). As New York continues to transition back to a world-class economy, Ceretto said the quality of the roads people can commute to work on and businesses can ship their goods on is paramount.

Right now, 32 percent of bridges and 40 percent of road pavements are rated as "fair" or "poor," and are getting worse. This, combined with a 40 percent reduction in federal highway aid, makes increased state investment in local roads and highways a priority, Ceretto said.

"Properly funding our local roads and highways is critical to the future of our region," he added. "Our economy is dependent on our ability to quickly transport people and goods from one place to another, and roads are what enable us to do that.

"One good example is the Robert Moses Parkway. For years, the design of the parkway has held back the true potential of the Niagara Falls economy. Now that the redesign is underway, we will soon see the Niagara Falls that many have envisioned for years."

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