Statement From Speaker Silver On Recommendations Of
Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission

The recommendations released today by the Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission address some of the concerns that were expressed when Mayor Bloomberg's initial proposal was introduced last year.

There cannot be further consideration of the plan until we have a new, detailed five-year MTA Capital Plan, as required by law. Congestion fee revenues must be dedicated entirely to MTA capital improvements.

I believe that the Commission's work is not done, and that there must be detailed responses regarding the following issues:

• Specific plans to charge users of Port Authority bridges and tunnels must be in place and the funds dedicated to the MTA Capital Plan.

• Details must be provided regarding how residential parking permit plans will operate, what additional traffic enforcement measures will be undertaken and how increased parking meter revenues will be spent.

• There must be a plan to provide low-income households with state and city tax credits for payment of congestion fees.