The state Senate’s budget resolution isn’t kind to the MTA.
Our Glenn Blain reports:
Not only did Senate Republicans cut $770 million in capital financing for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, they also rejected the agency’s bid for a $7 billion increase in its bonding cap — which according to Democratic Sen. Martin Dilan (D-Brooklyn) would jeopardize the MTA’s ability to qualify for more than $2 billion in federal financing.
“It will bring the East Side Access project to a complete halt, Second Avenue subway to a complete halt,” said Dilan, who is the ranking Democrat on the Transportation Committee.
Dilan also warned that the loss of funding would jeopardize the MTA’s ability to purchase new subway cars from upstate factories.
“It is very irresponsible,” Dilan said. “They are putting the lives of individuals who are employed throughout the State of New York.”
Budget Committee Chairman John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse), during a Senate floor debate, defended the moves, saying lawmakers wanted more clarity on what specific capital projects would be funded.
DeFrancisco also expressed concern that funding for upstate road and bridge projects were being treated fairly.
“We don’t have too many MTA trains going to Syracuse,” DeFrancisco said.
While largely symbolic, the one house budget resolutions prepared by the Senate and Assembly serve as benchmarks in the negotiations between both houses and Gov. Cuomo. The funding for the MTA was included in the Assembly’s budget resolution and Gov. Cuomo’s initial budget proposal.
“The Senate budget resolution is right in line with our priorities to cut taxes, control spending and create jobs,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said in a release today. “I am confident that we will be able to work with the Governor and Assembly to get a new budget enacted well before the deadline that includes our priorities.”
Senate 2012-2013 Budget Resolution
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