From the Morning Memo:
A bill approved on Tuesday in the state Assembly would require the state Department of Transportation to create a 20-year State Transportation Plan with updates every five years to be in line with MTA capital plans.
The bill would add the state DOT to a similar requirement that the MTA submit a capital plan. A memorandum of understanding was approved in 2009, but there is no current 5-year or 20-year plan for the DOT that is publicly reviewable.
In the past, the Department of Transportation and the MTA have had 5-year capital plans negotiated and approved at the same time.
“New York taxpayers deserve an accountable capital planning process of their state transportation and infrastructure dollars,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, the Queens Democrat who sponsors the bill.
“Without details, our ability to participate in decisions about spending on state roads, bridges as well as bus and rail infrastructure is significantly curtailed. This legislation would ensure the transparency that the public deserves.”
The bill received the back of groups like the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the New York League of Conservation Voters.
“Assemblymember Rozic is a leader on the future of transportation policy. The transportation sector is the #1 contributor to climate change in New York,” said NYLCV President Julie Tighe.
“As we plan for capital projects into the future, we must fold in ways to encourage alternative, less polluting forms of transportation, including pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. We thank Speaker Heastie and the Assembly for passing this bill to require a transparent, forward-looking transportation plan that will help the State make informed decisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and urge the Senate to act on the bill before the end of session.”