Dozens of bills were reportedly voted on in the state Legislature in the final hours of the session Thursday night and Friday morning, and restoration of aid to municipalities for repair to roads after rough treatment over the winter will be welcomed by local highway departments.

And libraries will be happy to hear about increased aid for them.

State Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome, announced the restoration of $65 million statewide for the Extreme Winter Recovery program, a roadwork funding program which had been cut from the state budget this year after years of funding.

In the Town of Potsdam, Highway Superintendent John Keleher said his budget missed out on about $55,000 when the program was cut this year.

He said that amount would be good for about half a mile of paving on the Morley Road or the Reagan Road.

“Residents across New York State depend on safe, reliable and well-maintained roads as they go about their daily lives,” Griffo was quoted as saying by a statement from his office. “However, it is no secret that some of the roads within our communities are in rough shape,” he said. “This funding is allocated to localities through the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and will help local governments make needed repairs to their roads that have been damaged by winter weather.”

Griffo, who currently serves as deputy minority leader in the Senate, also said they approved additional funding for libraries. Statewide, that will amount to about $20 million.

“Our public libraries have evolved into more than just a place where people can check out books. They are now community spaces that offer a variety of important services and resources to families, seniors and residents,” he said. “I know that this additional funding will help our libraries to flourish and to become an even stronger part of communities they serve.”

Griffo’s office said these measures were also approved in the Assembly.

Sen. Griffo's 47th Senate District includes the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis and Oneida counties.