LI Contractors Rally for Fair Share of Funding

By Nichole Altmix

A convoy of idled heavy construction equipment rumbled along the Long Island Expressway Monday morning as part of the Long Island Contractors Association’s effort to urge New York leaders in Washington and Albany to secure federal funding for infrastructure projects.

A nine-mile convoy of 80 pieces of idled heavy construction equipment rumbled along the Long Island Expressway Monday morning as part of the Long Island Contractors Association’s effort to urge New York leaders in Washington and Albany to secure federal funding for infrastructure projects. Photo courtesy of LICA.

“The most important thing is that we want to raise awareness to the public and elected officials that our industry is willing and able to help jump start the economic recovery,” explained Marc Herbst, executive director of LICA. “Infrastructure work has traditionally been the most efficient and expedient way to get out of economic recessions [and] we have to demonstrate that we have the equipment available to do the necessary work.”

The convoy spanned nine miles on the Long Island Expressway, from the Office of Congressman Steve Israel at 150 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge to the offices of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer at 145 Pinelawn Road in Melville.

Approximately 80 pieces of equipment were used, including payloaders, dump trucks, cranes and road graders, to “dramatize the lack of federal economic stimulus dollars earmarked by Governor [David] Paterson for Long Island,” according to LICA, who ensured equipment with tracks was transported on flatbeds as to not destroy the Expressway.

LICA claims New York State has been “sluggish” in allocating funds to Long Island and is seeking the appointment of an “Infrastructure Czar” to help prioritize the distribution of federal funding, money which has yet to be allocated.

“Long Island has the means to lead New York State out of its recession but it requires a commitment to fund projects that will address an aging infrastructure found throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties,” said Herbst. “We believe this growing economic crisis should compel government to reform the entire process of project review and approval, allowing the dollars that are allocated for Long Island to be spent and spent promptly.”

The message did not fall on deaf ears, Gary Lewi, a spokesperson for LICA said.
“The Congressmen have been very responsive,” he said. “We are starting and ending in front of their offices because they play an important role and have been supportive [of our efforts].”

The governor’s office said it is working hard to get all of New York State its fair share of the stimulus package pie.

“We have worked closely with the LICA membership for many years and we share their concern that New York must receive its fair share of federal dollars for a broad range of infrastructure projects,” said Tim Gilchrist, the Governor’s deputy secretary for Economic Development and Infrastructure. “Accordingly, the Paterson Administration has placed the highest priority on identifying projects and securing stimulus funds.”

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