STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PATERSON ON AMENDED CONGESTION PRICING PROGRAM BILL

Last night, I amended my Governor’s Program Bill regarding the New York City Congestion Pricing Program, recommended by the Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission. The amendments to the bill address fiscal contributions by the Port Authority to the MTA capital plan and add an important tax credit provision for low-income drivers.

The City Council and State Legislature can and should continue to consider Congestion Pricing, which, if enacted, would provide much needed funds for the MTA capital plan and improve air quality. Other changes to this bill will no doubt be proposed and debated during the coming days as we approach the U.S. Department of Transportation April 7, 2008 deadline, and that is part of our democratic process. Now the City Council must take action on Congestion Pricing. And after the City Council acts, I will work with Mayor Bloomberg, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Minority Leader Smith, Minority Leader Tedisco and all of the Senate and Assembly Members on this important issue.