(Exclusive to New York Transportation Insider E-zine)

In his state of the state address, Governor Spitzer noted that due to a lack of leadership from the chief executive in recent years, New York’s transportation “infrastructure threatens to become a liability, rather than a competitive advantage.” This is a troubling state of affairs. Historically, New York has been a national leader in transportation planning and system maintenance.

Over the last several budget cycles, we in the legislature have started the process of allocating sufficient funding to the task of updating our highways, roads, bridges, railroads, airports, ports and public transportation systems. We are cautiously optimistic that even greater strides will be possible now with a willing partner in the governor’s office. We are committed to working cooperatively with him to restore New York’s prominence and thereby ensure that the flow of commerce and leisure in our state is not disrupted.

The safety and convenience of travelers and commerce within this state is among our top priorities. It relates directly to our quality of life today and into the future. In addition, in this post-9/11 world, we cannot ignore the critical need to protect our transportation infrastructure from threats of nature and of man.

States that have the vision, foresight and commitment to adapt their transportation systems to the rapidly changing needs of the twenty-first century are the states that will excel. New York must not - will not - be left behind.

Hon. David F. Gantt
Chairman
Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation

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