New York's aging roads, bridges, and subway tunnels would get a closer look under new legislation being proposed in Albany.

A new commission on state infrastructure would be charged with doing inspections across the state, with an eye towards safety and economic investment. Among the things expected to be looked at are bridges, roads, subway tunnels, and sewage treatment plants.

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Sponsoring the measure are two city lawmakers, - Democratic Assemblyman Michael Gianaris and Republican State Senator Martin Golden.

"If it's not safe, it shuts down," said Golden. "We get it repaired, we get it fixed, and we get it up and running. We're not going to jeopardize life, and that's the reason for this commission."

"If we've learned anything these last couple of years, it's that the city's infrastructure is old and in need of desperate repair," said Giannaris. "We just look back at the history: blackouts, steam pipe explosions, subway flooding, and bridges in disrepair. Somebody has got to pay attention to what the infrastructure needs of this city are or we're going to be facing disasters like this in an increasing number as the years go on."

Members of the commission would be required to have experience in one of several fields, like engineering, construction, or planning.

The state legislature is expected to take up the measure when it returns to the capital in January.