As both a native of Lower Manhattan and as its representative in the New York State Assembly, I am pleased by the decision to expand ferry service.

Certainly, it will breathe added life and commercial hope into the community that suffered the brunt of the September 11 attacks.

A strong, efficient system of transportation infrastructure helped make this city the business capital of the world, and it remains a key ingredient in our plans to rebuild and revitalize Lower Manhattan.

With expanded ferry service, commuters and tourists will benefit and our shops and businesses will be more accessible - all while we continue working together to address long-term needs and the future of transportation in this part of the city.

I commend Governor Pataki, Governor McGreevey, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for taking this action. It is yet another important symbol, another strong statement that the residential and commercial communities of Lower Manhattan will survive and will thrive.

Rebuilding - that is our mission now, and I'm proud to be a part of it.