New rules for CHIPS reimbursement

Question: What are the new rules for CHIPS reimbursement regarding preventive maintenance treatments? 

Answer: NYSDOT has issued updated guidance which allows local agencies to use CHIPS, EWR, PAVE-NY and STR funds for approved preventive maintenance resurfacing treatments up to twice within a 10-year period, provided certain conditions are met.  Previously,  CHIPS, EWR, PAVE-NY and STR only reimbursed for one resurfacing treatment on the same section of road within a 10-year timeframe.   

The treatments that are covered are:

• Chips Seals (single and double course)
• Micro-surfacing
• Paver-Paced Surface Treatment (Nova Chip)

To qualify for this 5-year cycle, highway officials must certify the following:

• The road or street is in “good” condition (making it a suitable candidate for pavement preservation)
• The last pavement preservation was completed at least 5 years ago

Work performed within the past  18 months (March 2023 or later) is eligible CHIPS, EWR, PAVE-NY or STR reimbursement. 

If a highway official has an upcoming project that does not fully comply with the current CHIPS guidelines, NYSDOT has introduced a waiver process, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Resources

NYSDOT CHIPS Guidelines - https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/chips/chips-repository/CHIPS%20Program%20Guidelines.pdf