City Lawmaker Wants More Funding To Fix Potholes
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The brutal winter has left streets across the city littered with potholes.
One New York City councilman has called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to get more funding for the road repairs across all five boroughs.
City Lawmaker Wants More Funding To Fix Potholes
As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, Councilman Vincent Ignizio, R-Staten Island, said the freeze-thaw cycle, salt and plows have taken their toll on streets.
"The roads are a mess, and we need to put additional funds in this budget and in next year's budget for pothole repair, for strip paving and for curb-to-curb because our roads have really gotten beat down with this terrible winter," Ignizio told Lamb. "Pothole repair is fine. That is the triage, but we really need to treat the disease here."
Ignizio said he does not have a specific number in mind but wants additional funding in the two budgets to cover extra crews and additional materials.
The councilman has also called on de Blasio to beef up the city's Department of Transportation budget.
As WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported, technology exists that could prevent the seemingly endless cycle of pothole repairs.
Infrared Technology Could End Cycle Of Pothole Repairs
Infrared technology uses a truck to heat the asphalt, forming a thermal-bonded repair.
"Because it is sealed, water doesn't get into it in the future," said Atlantic Infrared President Marilyn Grabowski.
"In the 13 years that we are fixing potholes, we never get a call back for one of our repairs."
Infrared repairs are being performed in 67 New Jersey municipalities, but the cost -- $150,000 per truck -- and training have been prohibitive for others.
Many cars have fallen victim to the potholes, with auto repair shops busy fixing flat tires.
Insurance Policy May Cover Pothole Repairs
As WCBS 880's Ginny Kosola reported, some insurance policies will cover the cost of the repair work.
"Collision's going to cover you for damage to your vehicle caused by a pothole," Michael Barry of the Insurance Information Institute said. "Sometimes the damage is so severe, we're talking $1,500 or $2,000."
The first step to getting reimbursed is to call your insurance company, Barry advised.
If you have collision coverage, your policy will pay over the amount of your deductible, Kosola reported.
Barry said your premium could go up, but your insurance company can advise you on whether it makes sense to file a claim.
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