Assembly Passes Congestion Mitigation Legislation

Silver: Measure Allows For Thoughtful Consideration Without Jeopardizing Federal Aid

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced Assembly passage of legislation aimed at significantly reducing Manhattan's traffic congestion, enhancing New York City's public transportation system and accelerating road and bridge plan improvements throughout New York State.

The bill (A.9362), which now goes to the Senate for consideration, creates a 17-member commission appointed by state and city officials to develop a sound plan to curb worsening traffic congestion in the city.

Specifically, the commission would be charged with conducting hearings, taking testimony and reviewing information and proposals regarding traffic congestion and other related health and safety issues within New York City. Additionally, the Commission will issue recommendations on implementing a traffic congestion mitigation proposal to the state and City by January 31, 2008.

"This legislation establishes a timeline for the development, review and implementation of congestion mitigation measures, thereby ensuring that various stakeholders have the opportunity to provide comment and input in a timely fashion," said Silver.

Silver noted that under the bill, any recommended implementation plan must provide for at least the same level of traffic mitigation based on traffic volume as proposed in the traffic mitigation plan submitted to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Urban Partnership Agreement.

The bill also:

• authorizes the Mayor of the City of New York to present a traffic congestion mitigation plan to address traffic congestion within Manhattan, including but not limited to congestion pricing components, on or before August 1, 2007 to the Commission, Governor, Legislature, New York City Council and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA);

• directs the State Legislature to consider the Commission's implementation plan on or before March 31, 2008, while prohibiting the imposition or collection of fees unless the State Legislature acts on a plan by March 31, 2008 which action is not required unless the Legislature has first received a request from the Mayor which has been approved by resolution of the New York City Council;

• allows for a review of the tangible impact of a congestion mitigation plan by requiring the MTA and NYSDOT to each concurrently submit five-year capital plans which include system-wide goals and objectives for capital spending and project selection criteria); and,

• establishes an immediate effective date, with the act to expire and be deemed repealed on June 30, 2012, except that the act would be repealed in the absence of a commitment of at least $250 million in federal funds prior to October 1, 2007 or in the absence of a commitment of at least $200 million dollars in federal funds prior to October 1, 2007 plus a commitment by the City of New York prior to December 31, 2007 of funds in an amount equal to the difference between $250 million and the amount of federal funds committed.

"This legislation takes important steps towards addressing critical health and environmental needs of our communities. We cannot build a greater and greener New York without expanding and improving mass transit. The inclusion of updated five-year capital plans, by MTA and NYSDOT ensures further review of how proposed congestion mitigation measures impact proposed transportation capital plans and projects, as well as how measures would be carried out," said Silver.

"I look forward to continue working with Governor Spitzer, our colleagues in the Senate, the Mayor and all of our local government leaders to address congestion and other important issues facing New Yorkers." Silver said.