Schumer Wants Port Authority to Take Over, Gov. Paterson Responds

Today, according to the The New York Times Senator Charles Schumer urged the state to cede control of Moynihan Station to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey:

“It makes eminent sense for Port Authority to do this,” Senator Schumer said in an interview today. “They have the know-how and they have the resources that could help make it happen.”

The Port Authority, which plans to build a second commuter rail tunnel underneath the Hudson River that would connect with Pennsylvania Station, is keen on the idea. Indeed, the developers had hoped that Port Authority would get involved after they became frustrated with the inaction of Mr. Spitzer.”

Governor Paterson managed to take time out of his busy budget-making schedule to issue a statement in support of the project:

The immediate task we have in front of us is to secure the necessary funding and complete the environmental process. New York State is willing to lead by example in helping to provide funding for this project, but we can’t do it alone. We will need commitments from the developers, New York City, and the federal government to make this project a reality. It is critically important that we ensure that this project is on firm financial footing, especially given the challenging fiscal times facing all levels of government.

I will consider the suggestion of Senator Schumer as well as suggestions from other stakeholders. Certainly the Port Authority has expertise in developing major transportation projects and has always played an important role in funding major regional transportation projects. I will be evaluating their future role as a partner in this project in the days ahead.

Read “Schumer Urges Action on a New Penn Station,” by Charles Bagli for The New York Times