Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins And Hudson Valley Senate Delegation Response To Governor Cuomo And Mayor De Blasio's Congestion Pricing Plan

Albany, NY –– Today, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Hudson Valley Senate Majority delegation released statements responding to Governor Cuomo and New York City Mayor de Blasio’s congestion pricing plan. The Hudson Valley Senate Majority delegation includes Senators James Skoufis, Jen Metzger, David Carlucci, Pete Harckham and Shelley Mayer. The delegation issued the following joint statement:

“As representatives for Hudson Valley commuters, it is our responsibility to ensure that any congestion pricing plan is not funded from their pockets without ample benefit. The Governor and Mayor’s current proposal raises concerns for our region:

  ·  We agree that the subway system is in dire need of repair, but it is imperative that Metro-North, both east- and west-of-Hudson, receive a proportional, dedicated share of new revenue generated.

 ·  The new Tappan Zee Bridge and George Washington Bridge are not provided a tolling credit against the congestion pricing toll in the Governor’s proposal. They must join the crossings included in his proposal, the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, in order to ensure equity and effectively prohibit double-tolling for Hudson Valley residents. 

·  The proposed Capital Review Committee is to be made up of subway rider representatives, but not representatives from the region’s other mass transit organizations. In order for us to give critical input on the capital plan, we need representation on this committee from both both east- and west-of-Hudson Metro-North commuters.

While we do not support the current proposal as it stands, we understand the need for action, and want to work together to best achieve that.”