This piece was originally published and aired as a reader on WSHU Public Radio, Long Island and Connecticut’s National Public Radio affiliate.
A new study conducted by two trade industry groups found that Long Island’s roads are fixed faster when local governments pay for a single project.
That’s because the cost of materials can change over time in open-ended and multiyear contracts.
The study says local government spending is responsible for two-thirds of Long Island road repairs.
Lawmakers are still in the process of developing the region’s next five-year road repair plan.
New York allocated $1.5 billion for road repairs under a previous plan. But the plan due next April is expected to receive far less state money next year.
Wilko Martínez-Cachero 