Mayor William Stortz issued this press release today:
Bristol, CT, July 23, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz discussed Bristol’s increased effort in maintaining its infrastructure, especially its road system, in the past two years.
“Maintaining the City’s infrastructure is very important, and when a City falls behind, catching up is difficult and expensive. Quality infrastructure is seemingly transparent to the average citizen, until it starts to deteriorate: Then everyone notices and complains.
I am proud to point out that during the past two budgets, we have increased our budget request by double. The approved increase last year was 50% over the previous year, while this year the approved increase 21% over last year, but 83% over two years ago”, said Stortz.
He went on to say, “While this is an improvement, we still have roads that have not been repaved since the 1960’s and 70’s; and a large number that have not been repaved in over 20 years (since 1987). While age is not the only factor, it is indicative of a City commitment, or lack thereof, to a proper road management program.
It has taken the leadership of the Public Works Director, a Public Works Board that is supportive, and a Board of Finance that is cognizant of the importance of adequate funding to start a positive effort in this infrastructure maintenance.”
Stortz continued, “One salient point is that the increase during this administration is equal to almost half a mil.
If we funded roads at the 2003-2004 or 2004-2005 level, we would have been able to come in at a .1 mil increase or possibly a 0 mil increase.
But, it is a case of pay now, or pay later, and this is the responsible approach, responsible for all taxpayers over a given period of time.”
Stortz concluded, “I hope that this philosophy is continued until we reach a point where Bristol is current in its road maintenance efforts.”
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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