By Philip Newman
Two Queens congressmen, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and several other House members have called for renewal of a federal transportation money act but warned against Republican revisions that could cost New York state $300 million a year in transit aid.
“We have tremendous transportation infrastructure needs in New York City,” Bloomberg said Monday at a pier beside the Manhattan Bridge where the officials gathered to discuss the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act pending before Congress.
“Our vast transportation network has been an integral part of our city’s success. Yet some members of Congress have suggested that New York benefits too much from federal transportation spending because we get back more transportation funding than we pay in federal gasoline taxes,” the mayor said.
He continued, “Some propose that all states receive a minimum of 95 cents for every dollar they pay to the federal government in gas taxes. This would cost New York state more than $300 a year and can only be described as fleecing of New York.”
The legislation under discussion, informally known as TEA-21, would provide New York state with $13.5 billion over the next six years, $4.9 billion more than the previous transportation legislation.
“This legislation would mean improved services to Staten Island and the Rockaways,” said U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens). “It would mean the East Side Access is more likely to be built, the Second Avenue subway, road improvements throughout the five boroughs, mass transit improvements everywhere. It would mean dramatic, dramatic improvements.”
U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), also spoke out in support of the legislation, which must be renewed every six years. The present law expires at the end of September.
U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), the House Majority leader, has presented a version of the legislation that would change how it affects New York state.
New York state now receives $1.21 for every dollar paid in gasoline tax. DeLay’s bill, which he calls “fair share,” would end that system.
“You would think that Congress would want to reward us for decreasing the nation’s dangerous reliance on foreign oil,” Bloomberg said. “But logical thinking like that doesn’t always govern the way Washington works.”
U.S. Reps. Jerold Nadler (D-Brooklyn), James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Tom Petri (R-Wis.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), also spoke in support of the unrevised version.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 136.
