ALBANY UPDATE: Griffo sponsored bill passes in Senate that would designate certain town roads as ‘low volume roads’

ALBANY, NY- New York State Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-Rome) announced on Monday that a bill he has sponsored, regarding the designations of certain roads, was recently passed by the state Senate.

The bill authorizes towns to designate certain town roads as low-volume roads and certain low-volume roads as minimum maintenance roads.

The purpose in designating these roads, according to Griffo, is to reduce the costs associated with bringing them up to state or national design standards.

These low-volume roads would not require as much plowing, grading and other maintenance as other roads do, which saves towns money. “It can be difficult for many local highway departments to design or upgrade older low-volume roads that do not meet current engineering standards,” the Senator said.

“The level of design, construction and maintenance required can also be financially burdensome for communities. My legislation will help by providing for more realistic and affordable standards while also maintaining and welcoming public input on the designation and maintenance process.”

Sen. Griffo's legislation would establish a comprehensive and transparent process for towns to designate recreational or agricultural roads as minimum maintenance roads and an appeal process for landowners.

Roads that are the primary access for farm operations, or those that have a year-round residence at the time of designation, would not be designated minimum maintenance.

The bill also would establish a formal process for any landowners to petition to discontinue the minimum maintenance designation or to modify maintenance standards.

A companion bill (A2225) in the state Assembly sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, D-Forestburgh, is currently in the state Assembly’s Transportation Committee.

Senator Griffo image.