Your town roads are dependent on Highway Department expertise and NYS funding
By John T. Ryan
Peru – Ideally, Peru Highway Department Superintendent Michael Farrell would like to repave about four miles of Town of Peru roads each year. His department maintains 82 miles of town roads and asphalt has a 20-year rule of thumb life-expectancy. There are variables such as traffic volume, vehicle weight, and weather conditions that influence road life.
This summer, the Peru Highway Department working in concert with the Town of Ausable through shared services has paved 2.95 miles of Peru’s roads including portions of the Jarvis Road, the Brand Hollow Road, and the Barney Downs Road. The estimated direct cost per mile is $61,406.
More paving should be taking place; however, funding is questionable. New York State Consolidated Highway and Street Improvement (CHIPS) monies account for about 90% ($267,298) of Peru’s 2020 paving budget. Several weeks ago, Governor Andrew Cuomo informed local governments that the COVID-19 pandemic crisis might force a funding cut of up to 20%. If that happens, Peru may not see any additional paving this year. Farrell is sharpening his pencil and would still like to pave the Jabez Allen Road. He isn’t optimistic about 2021, saying, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see CHIPS funding fall to $175,000 next year.
Photos: Finishing up paving the Barney Downs Road this past Monday. Editorial: “It’s a great looking job!”
Posted: August 13th, 2020 under General News, Highway Dept. News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Town Board News.