State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - NY Sees Improvement in Condition of Local Bridges

 

NY Sees Improvement in Condition of Local Bridges but Billions More Needed for Maintenance and Repair

One in 10 locally owned bridges in New York State is rated in poor condition, according to a report by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The estimated cost for work needed on local bridges in the State in 2023 was approximately $29 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration data.

“Ensuring safe and reliable public infrastructure is an ongoing concern for local governments across the country,” DiNapoli said. “Despite increased funding from the federal and State governments, there is a great deal more work that needs to be done in New York. Local governments need this funding to continue so sorely needed repairs and maintenance are completed.”

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State Comptroller DiNapoli Tours Queens With Assemblyman Raga

(L to R) Assemblymember Steven Raga, Tsomo Dasel, owner of Himalayan Yak, a restaurant in Jackson Heights, and State Comptroller DiNapoli.

State Comptroller DiNapoli joined Assemblymember Steven Raga this week to tour part of his district in Queens. They met with small business leaders and heard about the challenges they face. The tour included walking through the diverse neighborhoods of Woodside and Jackson Heights, and visiting Mexican, Tibetan, Filipino, and Nepalese restaurants. The tour was just the latest stop for State Comptroller DiNapoli on his visits to communities in New York City and around the State.

Comptroller DiNapoli Op-Ed in Times Union: NY Needs an Independent Commission to Review State's COVID Response

The Times Union published an op-ed from State Comptroller DiNapoli on the shortcomings of the Olson Group’s COVID-19 report and the need for an independent commission to review the State’s pandemic response. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of New Yorkers and, for thousands of families, led to devastating losses of loved ones. For us all, and especially for the families of those who died in nursing homes, the time is overdue for a full analysis of the State’s response to the pandemic. We must better prepare for the next public health emergency and provide an accounting that the families who are still mourning deserve," said Comptroller DiNapoli.

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Town of Alexander Clerk Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Nearly $3,000 of Taxpayer Funds

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Genesee County District Attorney Kevin T. Finnell, and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Shannon Tiede, the clerk of the Town of Alexander, for allegedly stealing nearly $3,000 from the town and altering town records to cover her theft.

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Former Chief of Border City Hose Company Pleads Guilty to Stealing Company Funds and Repays More Than $18,000

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts, and the New York State Police announced the guilty plea of John Morabito, former chief of the Border City Hose Company, for theft of $18,772 from the company.

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Former Hannibal Fire Chief and Father Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Go-Kart Proceeds

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Oswego County District Attorney Anthony J. DiMartino, Jr., and the New York State Police announced the indictment of former Hannibal Fire Chief Chris Emmons and his father Carl Emmons Sr., a volunteer firefighter, for allegedly stealing a total of nearly $14,500 from the fire company.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• Report: $29B needed for local bridge improvement

• Comptroller's report finds more than 10 percent of NY bridges are in poor condition
  
  
• New York’s Pension Fund Pressures Micron to Make Union Deal
  
  

• Former Ontario County Fire Chief Admits to Stealing Money

• NYS Comptroller report calls for more action to meet state clean energy goals

Post of the Week
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller 

WILLIAMS RESPONDS TO MAYOR'S LAST MINUTE, SHAMEFUL 'STATE OF EMERGENCY' DECLARATION TO BLOCK SOLITARY BAN

 

"This is a shameful tactic, another desperate abuse of power by this administration to try and ignore laws it opposes. Misusing a ‘state of emergency’ is dangerous, especially from a mayor who claims to care about public safety. Any state of emergency on Rikers continues to be caused by an administration that has refused to engage with partners to meaningfully improve conditions, with a preference for covering up the crisis and spreading misinformation. 

"Now, the mayor wants to throw out yet another law of our city in order to maintain a status quo that threatens people on both sides of the bars. At the last possible moment, he is declaring an ‘emergency’ without public notification or legitimate justification. It is inexcusable, and we will explore all means of ensuring that this administration cannot continue to abandon its duty to execute the law the Council overwhelmingly approved twice."