Evening News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on March 19, 2019
The average bridge in Genesee County was built 50 years ago.
And 50 years is considered the average life span, for as span.
So, the county has a replacement program for aging bridges – replacing about two per years.
But with cuts in federal aid, that replacement schedule is down to about one per year.
County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens tells members of the county legislature that due to federal cuts the county may have to rely on sales taxes to bridge the funding gap.
Hens also pointed out that Genesee is one of only three counties in the state that assumes responsibility for all bridges and culverts within the county.
Elsewhere, towns and villages maintain and replace old bridges.
Genesee County officials have revised a proposed law aimed at helping law enforcement solve property thefts.
The first draft of the law was introduced last November.
It met with opposition from some lawmakers and business owners that the proposed statute went too far and could become a burden on business.
The bill is intended to target pawn shops and requires detailed record keeping in order to help trace down stolen property.
Genesee and Orleans Counties are among the unhealthiest counties in New York State.
According to rankings released today, out of the 62 counties in New York State, Genesee ranks 42 and Orleans County ranks 52.
Both counties loose points based on the number of people who smoke and the number considered obese.
View the entire report HERE.
