May 26, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com

Gotham Gazette
Loading
Recent Posts
NYC Blogs
Click here for a list of NYC blogs
Newsfeeds
Search This Blog

Dilan to Paterson: Restore Capital Project Funding
April 22nd, 2010

Gov. David Paterson issued a statement today saying that his budget extender bill for next week will not include appropriation funding for State funded road and bridge projects across the state. However, he announced that, “this bill will include provisions to allow federal and local spending on hundreds of capital projects that have no State funding component and were authorized in prior State fiscal years. Approximately 124 State Department of Transportation projects that are 100 percent federally funded, and approximately 219 local projects that receive federal and local funds may move forward after this action.”

Contractors and legislators are up in arms that important repair projects have been delayed and construction workers are being laid off because they are not being paid for their work.

Sen. Martin Dilan, who has been pushing for full restoration of funding responded to the announcement with an open letter demanding all funding be restored.

“Your proposal to authorize the release of funding for only 100% federally funded projects does not accomplish what the people of this state need. Approximately 80% of construction projects currently let by DOT require some form of state match in order to qualify for the remaining federal dollars and would therefore be ineligible to move forward under your proposal. Additionally, by not allowing DOT to let new projects we are shortening the construction season, and risking a further loss of jobs and needed repairs. Without moving these projects forward, I question whether we can survive another blow while New Yorks unemployment rate approaches double digits, and its transportation infrastructure lies in disrepair.”

There will likely be another heated complaint session before the Senate votes on the extender next week.

It should be noted that in the official letter sent by Dilan he crosses out Gov. David Paterson in blue ink and addresses the governor simply as David.

Here is the full text of Dilan’s letter:

“Dear Governor David Paterson:
I write you today to thank you for the inclusion of a modest amount of funding for transportation capital within the latest budget extender. Im fully aware ofNew Yorks financial hardship and I am certain you are acting in the best interest of our states fiscal solvency.
Funding ARRA projects has helped slow construction job losses from 33,400 in February to 25,400 in March. Another insufficient extender threatens to reverse this trend. I am calling upon you to authorize CHIPS, allow DOT to let new projects and to include NYS bond act projects in this latest extender.
Your proposal to authorize the release of funding for only 100% federally funded projects does not accomplish what the people of this state need. Approximately 80% of construction projects currently let by DOT require some form of state match in order to qualif~ for the remaining federal dollars and would therefore be ineligible to move forward under your proposal. Additionally, by not allowing DOT to let new projects we are shortening the construction season, and risking a further loss of jobs and needed repairs. Without moving these projects forward, I question whether we can survive another blow while New Yorks unemployment rate approaches double digits, and its transportation infrastructure lies in disrepair.
I have been very forthcoming with my frustration regarding this matter. While considering the previous extenders my colleagues in the Senate Minority produced amendments that would include appropriations for transportation projects. Although I agree with their aim, the legislature is
prohibited by the State Constitution from amending emergency appropriation measures. This is an extremely difficult budget and we are working to come to a resolution. The prime duty of government is to protect the peoples interests. Please consider that underfunding one of the states
greatest investments risks a breach of this function and ultimately, the peoples trust. We need to ensure that future extenders protect our citizens and keep our roads and bridges safe while work at the Capitol to finalize a budget continues. To shore up short-term financial shortfalls at the expense of hundreds of projects and thousands of jobs, while jeopardizing the welfare of those who look to us for leadership, is unacceptable.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to your response.”

Here is Paterson’s full statement:

“As in my prior emergency bills, my fourth emergency budget bill covering the period from April 26 to May 1 provides no appropriation authority for spending State funds on capital projects across New York. This bill will include provisions to allow federal and local spending on hundreds of capital projects that have no State funding component and were authorized in prior State fiscal years. Approximately 124 State Department of Transportation projects that are 100 percent federally funded, and approximately 219 local projects that receive federal and local funds may move forward after this action.

“Our State continues to face severe cash-flow difficulties and extraordinary financial challenges. I call upon the Legislature to work with me to enact a fiscally responsible budget, and until that time, I will continue a bare-bones approach to the emergency appropriations legislation I submit.”

By David King on April 22, 2010, 3:16 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany, Transportation | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Leave a Reply


RSS Feed