ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Congressman Josh Riley is looking at rural roads. 

The Agricultural and Rural Road Improvement Program (ARRIP) in the Highway Reauthorization bill seeks $275 million “annually in federal highway funds to repair and enhance rural roads and bridges critical to farmers and agricultural industries.in yearly federal dollars to repair rural roads and bridges.”

“Every farmer, every rural business, and every family in Upstate New York deserves safe, reliable roads and bridges,” Riley said. “This bill isn’t about politics—it’s about getting the job done for our rural communities. Better infrastructure means lower costs, fewer delays, and safer roads. That’s exactly what I’m committed to delivering for the hardworking families who power our economy.”

According to Riley’s office, the AARIP includes 3 key objectives:

  1. Upgrading Rural Infrastructure: Repairing roads and bridges to remove weight and capacity limitations, enhancing efficiency in transporting agricultural goods.
  2. Boosting Rural Economic Growth: Lowering transportation costs for farmers, providing better market access, and improving competitiveness.
  3. Improving Safety and Reliability: Modernizing critical rural routes to ensure safer journeys for agricultural freight and rural families.

The bill was introduced on Tuesday, July 22 with Illinois Rep. Mike Bost. As representative of the 19th Congressional district, Riley sits on the House Agriculture Committee.