Newsday Letters: Readers write agenda for 2012
Published: January 6, 2012 5:50 PM
Build NY's bridges
Newsday is absolutely correct: The state's economy won't thrive without the infrastructure needed to support it ["Wish list for the new year," Editorial, Jan. 1].
Major projects like the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement are looming and one-third of all state and local highway bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Facing budget deficits and a weak economy, we must find innovative ways to complete necessary projects that improve our infrastructure, economy and quality of life.
That's why New York must use public-private partnerships to help finance and deliver infrastructure projects. Used properly, these partnerships can reduce the cost and risk to the state and enable more projects to move forward by stretching current public funding.
Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., Merrick
Editor's note: The writer chairs the State Senate Transportation Committee.
