During its April 10, 2014 session, the Erie County Legislature Majority Caucus – Chairman John Mills, Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo and Legislators Lynne Dixon, Kevin Hardwick, Ted Morton and Edward Rath – called a special session for April 24 to ensure crews could begin critical road work as soon as possible. The 2014 Road Project List was announced today and will be considered on Thursday by the Legislature.

“Two weeks ago the Legislature was told there could be a delay in starting projects and that is unacceptable, especially this year when we are facing a difficult task. To expedite the process the Legislature called a special session to approve this year’s projects and ensure we have shovels in the ground as soon as possible,” said Chairman Mills.

The Legislature’s Majority Caucus, whose districts contain the vast majority of county lane miles, expressed their disappointment that projects weren’t ready for approval at the April 10 session but hope that Thursday’s session jump starts the county’s construction season.

“As a Caucus, we would have liked County Executive Poloncarz to have had at least a portion of this list ready sooner but to ensure there is no further delay, we have called the special legislative session this week to get the necessary resolutions approved and projects underway,” said Majority Leader Lorigo. “Between our six districts, we represent a large percentage of the county roadways and know our roads are deteriorating. Recovering from this harsh winter won’t be easy and any delay is significant.”

The Majority Caucus is committed to continuing to appropriate funds for necessary road work to address the county’s serious infrastructure concerns.