ALBANY -- Citing a pattern of inadequate financing, bad planning and misplaced priorities, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Commissions, and Authorities today released legislation requiring the immediate submission to the Legislature and the Governor of a report outlining the status of and issues confronting close to a dozen major capital projects in the downstate region. 

These projects, all of which are facing significant problems, include Hudson Yards, 7 Line extension, Javits Convention Center, the Boulevard, Moynihan Station, World Trade Center rebuild, PATH station, Atlantic Yards, Willets Point and Sunnyside Yards.

"Our economic future is tied to our transportation system, and our first economic and social priority must be the funding of the MTA Capital Plan, including bringing the system into a state of good repair and needed expansion project,” Brodsky said. “Any attempt to defer the Capital plan, or any shift of public funds away from mass transit to these other projects, as badly needed as they are, would be short sighted and dangerous.  The Assembly Plan, proposed by Speaker Silver and voted on by the Assembly, is the best way to address the needs of our transportation systems.  But other ideas and proposals need to be publicly considered as well. The Governor has asked Richard Ravitch to Chair a gubernatorial Commission to address these issues.  It is clear we are coming to a crisis.  That crisis can be solved, but only with clear information and a willingness to set priorities, and make difficult decisions.  The Committee will shortly convene a public hearing to inquire into the capital plan and other issues, in addition to awaiting the Report."