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Newsday- Keep region on track
Monday July 31, 2006From Newsday:
Keep region on track
Money for LIRR and Amtrak is good news, but there’s still work to do
July 31, 2006
With all the worries about terrorism and terribly behaving passengers, once in a while straphangers and commuters deserve a bit of good news. Last week they got three bits, thanks in part to the skill and persistence of key federal lawmakers.
New funds expected for
But the state's congressional delegation and political establishment still have a lot of work to do. The Amtrak and LIRR funds, while seemingly moving on a fast track, still could be derailed in House-Senate conference committees - or even before the bills get there if, for instance, Republicans try to attach irrelevant measures, such as tax cuts.
And the fare-hike delay, made possible by an unexpected surge in tax revenues, should not be seen as a signal that MTA customers, much less the next governor and legislature, can expect the agency to get by without added revenues. It can't and still keep the lines in good condition.
The new funding is especially welcome. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) honchoed a bill, expected to be voted on shortly, to restore Bush administration cuts to Amtrak. Schumer would hike federal subsidies from $900 million to $1.4 billion. A House version would go to $1.1 billion. Our delegation should push for the higher figure so this vital system can better serve more riders.
Along with Schumer and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) believes they have the votes in both houses for $1.75 billion toward an LIRR connection to lower
And since the money would come from funds remaining from
It's important for the metro area to keep growing. Safe and affordable transit is the key.
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.