Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is threatening to cut off approval and funding for construction projects in New York City if the state’s congestion pricing program continues after the Trump administration’s deadline for it to end passed Sunday.
Duffy sent a letter to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Monday warning of “serious consequences” if the program continues despite the Trump administration having revoked the federal government’s approval for it in February. He directed the New York State Department of Transportation to explain by May 21 why the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shouldn’t take action to force compliance.
“President Trump and I will not sit back while Governor Hochul engages in class warfare and prices working-class Americans out of accessing New York City,” Duffy said in a statement. “The federal government sends billions to New York—but we won’t foot the bill if Governor Hochul continues to implement an illegal toll to backfill the budget of New York’s failing transit system. We are giving New York one last chance to turn back or prove their actions are not illegal.”
The program, which the Biden administration initially granted approval for in November, implemented a $9 toll on cars entering Manhattan to reduce congestion on highways and air pollution. Hochul originally planned a $15 toll before lowering it.
Hochul and other New York officials have argued that the plan has worked, reducing crowding on highways, speeding up travel times and leading to more people choosing alternative ways to get around. But the Trump administration has slammed the program as raising costs for working class Americans and small business owners.
Trump declared that New York was “saved” after announcing his decision to end the program. Duffy noted in his letter Monday that all roads constructed using federal aid highway funds must be toll-free unless an exception is granted.
Duffy said the FHWA will start taking measures against the state and city on May 28 if it determines the state to still not be complying. The measures would last until New York agrees to end congestion pricing.
The possible measures include not allowing any further advance construction authorization or environmental approvals for projects within Manhattan except for those deemed essential for public safety. If the noncompliance continues, those measures could be expanded to all FHWA funds for projects in the city.
The measures could also be expanded to other parts of New York State if noncompliance continues, the letter says.
New York officials don’t appear to be showing signs of backing down, as the city’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has filed a lawsuit to keep the program in place. A proposed briefing schedule for the case could have the program continuing through the summer.
“In case there were any doubts, MTA, State and City reaffirmed in a court filing that congestion pricing is here to stay and that the arguments Secretary Duffy made trying to stop it have zero merit,” John J. McCarthy, the chief of the MTA’s policy and external relations, told The Hill in a statement.
A spokesperson for the governor told The Hill that they believe the program is working.
“Traffic is down, business is up, and the cameras are staying on,” they said.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Duffy threatens New York funding after congestion pricing deadline passes without changes )
Also on site :
- Anger as US blocks Gaza ceasefire resolution at UN Security Council
- Mariners, Daniel Bard Agree To Minor League Contract
- Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin will take revenge for Kyiv’s drone attack, warns Trump after phone call