Senate President Malcolm A. Smith Nominates Senator Craig Johnson to Serve on the MTA Capital Program Review Board

(Albany, NY)- Today, Senate President Malcolm A. Smith announced the nomination of Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Nassau) to serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Capital Program Review Board. The nomination was  made this past weekend, notice was given to the MTA and the appointment is pending the filing of the appropriate paperwork with the Governor’s office.

"Long Island needs a strong voice on the board to ensure its needs are met and Craig Johnson is unquestionably that voice. Senator Johnson’s representation of suburban communities that rely on mass transit and his deep understanding of the capital allocation process make him an ideal choice," said Senate President Malcolm A. Smith.

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

As a representative of a district that is home to a large commuter population, Senator Johnson has also been immersed in issues related to the MTA, the Long Island Rail Road, and other suburban mass transportation concerns.  Senator Johnson, 38, said his goals are to increase community input, and ensure that the MTA's capital program is properly administered.

“Especially in this economic crisis, we need to make sure that our capital dollars are spent wisely and that Long Island and the other suburban communities across the MTA region are having their transportation needs met,” Senator Johnson said. “I want to thank President Smith for this opportunity. I look forward joining MTA officials and my fellow board members in this critically important undertaking.”

The MTA Capital Program Review Board is comprised of four 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.