News

NEW YORK, NY October 17, 2005 —Political leaders are ramping up support for the Transportation Bond Act, which goes to the voters next month. WNYC's Beth Fertig has more.

REPORTER: The bond act would authorize $2.9 billion in transportation spending over five years for upstate and downstate. Projects in the New York City region include the 2nd Avenue Subway, linking the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central; and $115 million for new subway and commuter railroad cars.

A similar bond act failed five years ago. But this time, labor and environmental groups are joining transportation advocates and politicians in a statewide campaign.

City Controller Bill Thompson responded to critics who worry the state can't afford more borrowing.

THOMPSON: This is the way that borrowing should be done. This is at the will of the voters.

REPORTER: Supporters also claim it could be even more expensive NOT to build and maintain transit projects. For WNYC I'm Beth Fertig.