Long Island, NY—This week, Congressman Tim Bishop joined a mile long convoy of over 50 construction vehicles, ranging from payloaders and dump trucks to cranes and road graders, to drive home the message that Long Island deserves its fair share of federal dollars being earmarked by New York Governor David Paterson for infrastructure projects around the state.

A member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Bishop has been a champion of stronger federal investment in infrastructure projects in order to increase jobs and improve local economies. Analysts project that every $1 billion spent on transportation and infrastructure projects creates or saves an estimated 35,000 jobs.

“When we invest in infrastructure we not only create jobs, we lay the groundwork to grow our economy,” said Congressman Bishop. “By making smart investments, we will rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges, and schools. Our construction workers are not protesting; they are demonstrating their desire and willingness to rebuild Long Island. I will continue to work in Congress and with the Governor to ensure that there is adequate funding for many of the critical infrastructure projects ready to start on Long Island.”

The convoy of heavy equipment, belonging to members of the Long Island Contractor’s Association (LICA), was joined by Tim Gilchrist, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Infrastructure, Suffolk’s Chief Deputy County Executive Jim Morgo and others.

LICA executive director Marc Herbst stated, “As Washington provides state houses with an unprecedented economic stimulus package we are beginning to see a national competition for funds where those with the most agile bureaucracy will be able to secure the lion’s share of dollars…Long Island has the means to lead New York State out of its recession but it requires a commitment to fund projects that will address an aging infrastructure found throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.”

Tim Gilchrist, the Governor’s Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Infrastructure stated, "We have worked closely with the LICA membership for many years and we share their concern that New York must receive its fair share of federal dollars for a broad range of infrastructure projects. We join with them today to demonstrate our solidarity with their membership and to underscore our shared mission at leveraging dollars for strategic infrastructure projects that will assist the state at a time of economic crisis. Accordingly, the Paterson Administration has placed the highest priority on identifying projects and securing stimulus funds."