(Queens, NY) NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) today announced that legislation (S.3837) he co-sponsors “to ensure that state funding dedicated to transportation is actually spent on transportation” has been approved by the full State Senate. “This bill could possibly allow the MTA to improve service on the Q53, Q55 and others,” Addabbo noted.
“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon, particularly in difficult economic times, for dedicated state transportation funds earmarked for mass transit, roads, bridge repairs and other infrastructure projects to be diverted to other uses,” said Addabbo. “The consequences are these: structurally unsound bridges, dirty subway stations, fewer buses, unaffordable fare hikes and badly deteriorated roads throughout the entire state. It’s time to end, literally, this short-sighted form of highway robbery.”
Under the legislation, state funds that are dedicated by law for transportation purposes – whether revenues meant for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the state’s Highway and Bridge Trust Fund, or other specific transportation programs – could only be used for other purposes if a new law is passed permitting the shifting of funds in every circumstance. In addition, the bill requires that a very detailed impact statement be included in any proposal to divert funds, enabling legislators to assess the consequences of the action before voting.
“This legislation isn’t meant to tie the hands of state government when it is truly necessary to move funds around to meet pressing needs,” said Addabbo. “That happens. But it is intended to make state officials think twice and think seriously before they take funds away from our transportation programs, which are always vitally important to our residents and our entire economy.”
In the long run, Addabbo said, this legislation would translate into safer roads and bridges, ensure more efficient and modern mass transit systems, and bring with it even more benefits.
“Approval of this bill could even help to improve our environment if more people are encouraged to ride the bus or take the subway to work,” he said. “Taking care of our transportation networks is also vital to tourism in New York and to attracting and retaining businesses. It’s just the right thing to do.”
Having passed the State Senate, the bill is now under consideration by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
