Metropolitan

The Region: Freight Tunnel Gets Mayoral Backing
In early February, Mayor Giuliani (often derided in these pages for his pro-auto perspective) won praise from transportation reformers for supporting the construction of a trans-NY harbor freight tunnel linking New Jersey with Brooklyn and Long Island. Championed by the Regional Plan Association, the tunnel, according to a Department of Economic Development report, would take thousands of heavy trucks off city streets. It would also boost the local economy by allowing the cost-effective, bulk shipment of freight into declining manufacturing areas in the City and Long Island. While some critics knocked the plan as a mayoral ego-storm, it showed a willingness to think about public investment in long-overlooked transportation improvements.

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New York: Groups Ask For More Transit, Not Roads
A coalition of leading New York state civic and environmental groups, including T.A., the Environmental Defense Fund, Straphangers Campaign, and Natural Resources Defense Council have asked Governor Pataki to spend State transportation dollars on rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges and completing big ticket transit links rather than starting new roads. The groups applauded the Governor's commitment to bringing the LIRR into Grand Central Station and asked him to show the same leadership with overall transportation spending.

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New Jersey: Whitman Highway Mania
According to Governor Whitman's latest budget, the "Garden State" is planning to spend big bucks on yet another highway building binge. A full quarter of new highway capital funds are slated for expanding highways. In February, leading New Jersey environmental groups, including the NJPIRG, Tri-State Campaign and Environmental Defense Fund asked Governor Whitman to fix existing roads and bridges and stop fueling the sprawl that is gobbling up the state's remaining open space. They also called on Whitman to increase the state's paltry efforts to help cyclists and pedestrians. NJPIRG can use your help. Call 609-394-8155.

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Connecticut: Gov. Says Cut Gas Tax, Junk Transit
Connecticut Governor John Rowland wants to eliminate three major Connecticut train lines and replace them with buses to save money after the state's gas tax is cut by 5 cents. The Waterbury and Danbury Metro-North lines are on the block as is the new Shore Line East. The cut in the gas tax will cost the state $65 million and save the average Connecticut motorist $75 a year. The Connecticut Fund for The Environment will be leading the campaign to keep Connecticut on track. If you can help, call CFE 203-787-0646.

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