Thiele: Assembly’s Budget Keeps New York Moving

“An important part of growing New York’s economy is continuing to make investments in public transportation.

“That’s why the Assembly’s state budget plan increases the Department of Transportation five-year capital program by $405 million. It includes, over four years, $250 million for non-MTA downstate and upstate transit systems, $100 million for rail projects and $55 million for projects at airports throughout the state.

“The Assembly budget also includes $308.5 million in operating assistance for non-MTA downstate transit systems, an increase of $5 million over the governor’s budget proposal.

“In addition, the Assembly budget provides $208 million in operating assistance for upstate transit systems, an increase of $15 million over the governor’s budget proposal.

“To help make needed repairs to our roads, the Assembly budget includes an additional $200 million over four years for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), for total funding of $488 million for 2016-17, an increase of $50 million annually above the governor’s proposal.

“Investing in transportation and its infrastructure ensures our airports, roads and bridges remain as safe as possible and helps spur economic growth.”