Rowles joins call for road, infrastructure improvements across Erie County

Bradley W. Rowles, candidate for the 14th Legislative District in Erie County, supports a proposed local law that will annually dedicate existing county funds toward road and bridge maintenance and construction, as well as other infrastructure improvements.

The proposed dedicated fund would increase the amount currently spent on maintaining roads but in no way increase taxes because the money is already part of Erie County's general operating fund. Instead, this money would be reprioritized to make sure repairs and upgrades are made in a timely and efficient manner before problems become worse, unsafe and far more expensive to remedy, he said.

On average, without borrowing, Erie County spends approximately $1.6 million annually to provide road maintenance by patching potholes, chipping and oiling, and repaving, according to a press release.

"The safety of the public should be the number one priority of government," Rowles said.