Legislative leaders question MTA funding for projects
NEW YORK (PIX11) – State legislative leaders have tapped the brakes on the next big capital plan for MTA improvements.
The state senate president and assembly speaker want answers about funding the $65 million plan and the state’s potential role, which has been estimated to be about $33 billion.
The capital plan review board must sign off on capital plans.
The projects are planned 5 years in advance.
The next one is from 2025 to 2029 and includes 60 elevators, 2,000 rail cars, new turnstiles, and power supply upgrades.
Lisa Daglian rides the No. 7 train and is the executive Director of the MTA's permanent citizens advisory committee.
“We know that there’s a big hole in the capital plan. There’s always a hole. We need to find a way to fix that,” she said.
In a statement about the legislative move to deny the plan, the governor’s office said the MTA had laid out a comprehensive plan to improve service and safety and crack down on fare evasion.
"Now that the legislature has raised objections, we look forward to seeing their recommendations on which of these projects should be deprioritized and which revenue streams they are willing to propose," the spokesperson wrote.
The plan could become a negotiation point as the legislature reconvenes in January, and the Governor will craft a budget.
MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John J. McCarthy emphasized the MTA board approved the plan in September.
“This Capital Program was grounded in our 20-Year Needs Assessment, and we haven’t heard any concerns or objections from the legislature. It will unlock dozens of transformative projects – many of which are funded and ready to go on January 1st. We remain optimistic that the legislature will join the governor in supporting safer, more reliable, and expanded transit," he said.
Congestion pricing is set to take effect January 5, 2025. That funding has been applied to the previous capital plan.