Larkin: State Budget Makes Important Investments In Transportation Infrastructure

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today said the state budget makes critical investments in New York’s transportation infrastructure system.

"The recently adopted state budget will fund critically important projects for the state’s roads, highways, and mass transit systems," said Senator Larkin. "The Senate fought hard for these projects in the budget. Not only will they improve safety, but they will also boost economic growth by providing jobs and giving local governments more of the resources they need."

The State budget provides for an additional $20 million for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), which when combined with the $289.5 million included in the Executive Budget, provides a total of $309.5 million for the SFY 2006-07 CHIPS capital program.

The State budget also provides funding for the following items:

> $28.9 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority bond authorization;

> $1.85 billion letting level for highway and bridge construction projects;

> $39.7 million in Marchiselli funding for local bridge projects; and

> $22 million in High Speed Rail funding for the construction-reconstruction of rail capital and highway railroad crossings, facilities and intercity rail passenger service improvements to the New York State Empire Rail Corridor between New York City and Niagara Falls.

In addition, the State budget adopted by the Legislature prohibits the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from imposing a $1 per month surcharge on E-Z Pass tagholders and transfers $20 million in Department of Motor Vehicle costs from Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund to the General Fund, which will free up more money for bridge and highway construction, maintenance and repair.