Senator Craig Johnson Appointed to MTA Capital Program Review Board

Governor Ratifies Nomination by Senate President Smith

Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), has been officially appointed to serve as the Senate Majority’s appointment to the MTA Capital Program Review Board.

The nomination, which was made by Senate President Malcolm A. Smith, was ratified by Governor David A. Paterson.

"I am gratified you have accepted this appointment and am confident you will serve the people of New York State with dedication and distinction," Governor Paterson wrote in a July 28 letter that was received by Senator Johnson’s office yesterday.

Senator Johnson is serving his second term in the New York State Senate. He currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations.

Senator Johnson, 38, said his goals are to increase community input, and to ensure that the MTA's capital program is properly administered.

"I represent a district with a large commuter population that also greatly values the suburban quality of life," Senator Johnson said. "I want to ensure that, especially in this economic crisis, capital dollars are spent wisely and that Long Island and the other suburban communities across the MTA region are having their transportation needs met. I thank Governor Paterson and President Smith for entrusting me with this critically important undertaking."

The MTA Capital Program Review Board is comprised of four voting members appointed by the Senate President, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Governor, and the Mayor of New York City. The Board is responsible for overseeing and approving the MTA’s multi-billion dollar five-year capital spending programs.

Pending the approval of his nomination, Senator Johnson and members of his staff had already begun meeting with MTA representatives to discuss the next five-year plan, which is slated to be up for review in late 2009-early 2010.