Statement From Stanley Gee, New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner

ALBANY, NY (01/14/2010)(readMedia)-- Today's "Future Mobility in New York" report issued by TRIP of Washington, D.C. describes the important role that New York's extensive system of roads, highways, bridges and public transit plays in providing its residents, visitors and businesses with a high level of mobility, and recognizes the challenges faced by our State, as well as others, in funding our growing transportation needs as we rebound from the current economic crisis.

While the report makes recommendations on addressing New York's infrastructure needs, it does not identify the revenues to pay for those needs.

Under Governor Paterson's leadership and direction, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) continues to invest in improving the State's aging transportation infrastructure, and remains focused on maintaining our diverse multimodal transportation system in a safe and usable condition within available funding.

In the past year, in addition to implementing our annual capital program, NYSDOT invested federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding in state and local infrastructure improvements that created jobs and improved the condition of our transportation system.

These are difficult fiscal times in our country, as well as in our State. We are cognizant of and share in the difficult fiscal decisions being faced by our leaders, and assure the public that we will continue to make wise investments in New York's transportation infrastructure with the funds available to us.

NYSDOT looks forward to working together with the Governor, members of the Legislature, and our stakeholders so that we can maintain and invest in our vital transportation system.

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