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NEW YORK, NY June 07, 2007 —Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan got a big boost today from both the governor and the federal government. WNYC's Beth Fertig has more.

REPORTER: The US Transportation Department says New York is among nine finalists for grants to reduce congestion. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters called Mayor Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter midtown bold and brave.

PETERS: This plan will keep the city that never sleeps from becoming the city that never moves.

REPORTER: Peters was in town for a meeting with the mayor and Governor Spitzer. The city could receive up to 500 million federal dollars for improving mass transit and setting up the technology for congestion pricing. But legislation has to be passed by August.

Governor Spitzer gave his strongest endorsement of the plan to date, and said he would urge the legislature to act quickly. Republican Senate Leader Joseph Bruno introduced a bill today, promising to review the costs and benefits. For WNYC I'm Beth Fertig.