The governor doesn't seem interested in shifting billions of highway dollars to climate-friendly public transit projects.
The governor doesn't seem interested in shifting billions of highway dollars to climate-friendly public transit projects. ·  View in browser
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro diverted highway funding to public transit. Hochul has so far declined to take that move. Images: Offices of Governors Kathy Hochul, Josh Shapiro | Illustration: New York Focus
New York has a little-noticed tool to shift billions of highway dollars to climate-friendly public transit projects. The governor doesn’t seem interested.
By Sam Mellins

The federal government sends states billions of dollars each year to improve and maintain their transportation systems. By default, 80 percent of that money is allocated to highways and 20 percent to mass transit. But that’s not set in stone: Governors can choose to shift up to half of their state’s highway funding to transit instead, a move known as “flexing” the funds. Transit advocates and climate groups have urged governors to make wider use of this power to boost mass transit and reduce the environmentally harmful effects of highway expansion and car use.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro did just that. $153 million in funds that were allocated to highways will now go to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority instead, placing the agency on firm footing until state politicians can work out a permanent funding solution next year.

Meanwhile in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to lower New York City’s maximum congestion pricing toll from $15 to $9 means that the state Metropolitan Transit Authority will likely slow down key upgrades and possibly pay more in interest on its loans, according to the state comptroller and independent experts.

Come celebrate the holidays in Brooklyn with your favorite statewide nonprofit newsroom as we raise a glass to local journalism, our incredible community, and another year of keeping our neighbors informed and our leaders accountable. 

 

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