Erie County
Updated: 12/19/08 06:38 AM

Erie County mailed $9.1 million Thursday to road contractors and vendors on large-scale projects who have been waiting weeks or months for their money.

Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz had been withholding payment out of fear that he might drain the cash available to pay other bills, such as utilities and payrolls.

A standoff with the state-appointed control board has left the government unable to borrow the millions of dollars it needs for capital projects, some of which were begun anyway.

But Erie County recently received about $7.5 million from the state under the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program for projects completed. Poloncarz had not expected the money until February.

He will use the CHIPS money and other cash to pay all of the invoices his office has received by Dec. 12. He said he will include a note thanking recipients for their patience.

Among the contractors to receive their money is DiPizio Construction of Cheektowaga, which had sued when it was not paid for its reconstruction of Wehrle Drive.