Senator Morahan Seeks MTA Inclusion Of Cross-hudson Rail Service

Senator Morahan has contacted the representatives of the State Legislature who serve on the MTA's Capital Program Review Board to revise MTA future capital expenditures to include a downpayment for a cross-Hudson rail service that would enable people to cross the Hudson River between Rockland andWestchester in an efficient, less congested, and more environmentally sound fashion.

"We believe that this is an excellent opportunity for the MTA to seriously consider the prospect of including a downpayment for cross-Hudson rail in its capital plan. Cross-Hudson rail service must be an integral part of any regional transportation plan that will shape the region's transportation network for the foreseeable future," wrote the Senator, who jointly wrote a letter to Review Board Members with Rockland County Assembly Members Ryan Karben and Kenneth Zebrowski.

The request noted that as the MTA Capital Programs Review Board examines possible alternatives to the Tappan Zee Bridge, that any new or rehabilitated cross-Hudson span include a mass transit component in order to cut down on traffic and minimize pollution.

Metro-North President Peter Cannito has indicated that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) concerning the Tappan Zee Bridge will be concluded in 2007 or 2008.

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