From Newsday:

House gives OK to $1.75 billion for rail link

Staff and wire reports

July 29, 2006, 8:37 PM EDT

Gov. George Pataki Saturday praised a House vote that approved $1.75 billion in tax credits for construction of a rail link connecting Long Island with lower Manhattan -- but don't expect the project to begin anytime soon.

Despite the vote in Washington, the financing still needs approval by the Senate -- where opposition to it is strong -- and President George W. Bush.

Pataki called the vote "a significant step toward making this project a reality." The governor is one of the major proponents of the proposal, which would provide a high-speed link between lower Manhattan, Kennedy Airport and Long Island.

If approved, the tax credits would be spread over 15 years. The state was hoping for a $2-billion package.

Proponents say the project would create jobs and make commuting easier. Of the 87,460 Long Island commuters who travel to Penn Station daily, about 13 percent continue traveling downtown, according to rider surveys.

Some transportation advocates, though, believe the funding would be better spent on other projects.

"Our concern is that this project will siphon off funds from other projects that are of high priority to Long Island," said Mitch Pally, vice president for government affairs for Long Island Association. He cited the East Side Access, a third Main Line track, and transportation improvements at the Nassau Hub.

Kate Slevin, associate director for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, added that no one has proved that the anticipated ridership -- which she believes would be low -- would justify the price tag.

But many LIRR riders said they would welcome a rail link to lower Manhattan.

"I think it's a great idea," said Michael Kerrigan, 49, an insurance company executive who commutes from Northport to Wall Street every day. "I just hope it doesn't raise the rates too much."

Carl Russo, of East Northport, said he takes the LIRR into Manhattan to attend staff meetings at Verizon's headquarters in lower Manhattan four or five times a month. "Lower Manhattan is the business capital of the world," he said. "I think it deserves the link."

But Sarah Saunders and her daughter Abby, 19, of Centerport, said the money could be better spent on other projects.

"I go into lower Manhattan a lot, but I'm fine taking the subway," Abby Saunders said.

While traveling with House Speaker Dennis Hastert on a congressional delegation in Texas last weekend, Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) said he personally made a pitch for the rail link.

"'I hear you're here to hit me up,'" King said Hastert joked when he approached with the request.

The measure is expected to be considered by the Senate after Congress returns from its August recess.

Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.