New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey, a Democrat representing the 46th District, held a press conference on April 28, at Coxsackie Town Hall to promote the record levels of state transportation infrastructure spending and how it will impact locally. Greene County is getting a 33 percent increase in highway spending from New York compared to last year’s budget allotment, with more than $6.3 million additional funds. Click here to download or play an excerpt from Hinchey speaking at the press conference. Greene County Legislature Chair Patrick Linger explained that local highway departments will not be hiring to complete these projects, as they are bidded out to Hudson Valley firms such as Callanan Industries, Inc, Peckham Industries Inc, and A. Colarusso & Son Inc. Those bidding companies may be hiring, but there are reports of many other local businesses having trouble finding workers. Click here to download or play an excerpt of Linger talking about the employment impact of the highway funding.

Senate Transportation Committee Chair Senator Tim Kennedy, from Buffalo, and a large group of Greene County highway officials, and legislative leaders were also on hand. They included Greene County Legislature Chairman Pat Linger, Greene County Highway Superintendent Scott Templeton, Greene County Highway Association President John Farrell, Greene County Deputy County Administrator Warren Hart, Coxsackie Highway Superintendent Larry Ross, Coxsackie Town Supervisor Rich Hanse, and Village of Coxsackie Mayor Mark Evans. Click here to download or play an audio recording from WGXC of the press conference.