Pataki maps out road ahead.

Governor George E. Pataki lent his support to the Transportation Bond Act, scheduled to go on the ballot this November, at the New York Building Congress luncheon on October 14. The Governor noted that a sound transportation infrastructure is crucial to New York's economic viability and assured the audience that the state budget is in good enough shape to allow for the extra expense.

"I know that New York State is on sound fiscal footing and this project will ultimately benefit every citizen of New York," he said.

The 2005 Transportation Bond Act, widely supported by the real estate and construction industries, will provide $2.9 billion for such projects as the Second Avenue Subway, East Side Access and JFK Commuter Rail Link. The money will be split evenly between New York State Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and will be matched by $5.1 billion in federal aid. "This is a comprehensive and fiscally responsible plan," the Governor noted. "It will ensure we have the resources we need to maintain our existing infrastructure [as well as paying for new projects.] It will support the largest highway and bridge improvement program in New York's history."

The Governor advised people not to vote for an amendment to the state constitution that would transfer fiscal responsibility from his office to the legislature. The amendment, scheduled to go on the same ballot as the Bond Act, is bound to weaken the state's economy, the Governor warned.

"If this ballot is approved, New York will be plunged head first into budget deficit," he said. "So vote 'Yes' for the Bond Act and 'No' for the constitutional amendment."