NEW YORK, NY August 03, 2005 —More than $1 billion in New York State transportation projects will go forward as scheduled -- due to a deal between Governor Pataki and State Controller Alan Hevesi. Kathryn Herzog reports.

Last month, Hevesi rejected a plan to refinance nearly $3 billion in the State Thruway's debt saying it would unfairly burden taxpayers in years to come. As a result, Governor Pataki put a halt to the entire 5-year transportation capital plan.

Now, a new refinancing plan that Hevesi says is more fiscally sound has put the projects back in motion. The lawmakers say the plan allows important road and bridge projects to proceed without additional costs to taxpayers.

The bonds agreed upon by Pataki and Hevesi are separate from the nearly $3 billion Transportation Bond Act that will go before voters this fall.