A contractors’ industry group is calling for New York lawmakers to dedicate revenue from sports betting and legalized cannabis to road and other infrastructure improvements.
Sports betting — currently allowed on-site in the state’s commercial casinos — is estimated to generate $75 million, while the legalization of retail cannabis would send $300 million to the state.
The Long Island Contractors’ Association wants the money put toward roads and bridges that are in need of repair.
“Through the leadership of legislators who are sponsoring these bills, we believe we can establish a positive impact by dedicating new funds towards an important need; the aging and crumbling bridge and highway infrastructure in the State of New York,” said Marc Herbst, an executive with the group. “Specifically, families on Long Island depend on safe roads, highways and bridges.”
The group is expected to present its proposal to the Assembly Transportation Committee later on Friday in a public hearing on infrastructure improvement.
Lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the 2019 legislative session did not agree on a plan that would set up a taxing and retail system for legalized marijuana in New York. Lawmakers and Cuomo broadly agreed revenue raised from the proposal should benefit communities affected by stringent drug laws.
The measure is expected to be under debate again when the 2020 session begins next month.