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4/8/05-The Senate and Assembly have approved a $105 billion budget that includes $35.8 billion in funding for the state’s transportation system. It has been forwarded to Gov. George Pataki for his signature.
If Pataki OKs the budget, the transportation allocation will be used for roads, bridges and mass transit programs. The governor must also approve a proposed $2.9 billion bond issue that could be on the ballot as early as this fall.
Lawmakers said the newly proposed $2.9 billion initiative will be divided evenly between upstate and downstate. So far, no specifics have been given for what the referendum money will cover, but lawmakers have promised to clearly outline its usage to prevent a repeat of the 2000 vote.
If Pataki OKs the budget, the transportation allocation will be used for roads, bridges and mass transit programs. The governor must also approve a proposed $2.9 billion bond issue that could be on the ballot as early as this fall.
Lawmakers said the newly proposed $2.9 billion initiative will be divided evenly between upstate and downstate. So far, no specifics have been given for what the referendum money will cover, but lawmakers have promised to clearly outline its usage to prevent a repeat of the 2000 vote.