Additionally, the MTA is presently considering the delay of $2.7 billion in projects – including many on the LIRR. MTA chief Elliot Sander (pictured right) announced in early March 2008 that the MTA was planning to add peak-hour trains, including a morning one from Farmingdale, and evening trains to Farmingdale, Hicksville and Far Rockaway in the fall. Projects also proposed included a $21-million plan to improve the signal system between Babylon and Patchogue, and a $15-million redesign of the Jamaica Interlocking, a major switching point near the railroad's central hub.
In its capital budget, the MTA board was asked to consider pushing $2.7 billion worth of comparatively small projects (like the above) back by several years. Rising construction costs and the failure of state lawmakers to approve Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan have had a negative effect. These factors, along with a serious budget shortfall [i.e.: MTA had previously projected it would end the year with a $300-million surplus and it's now on track to close out the year with half that amount] will cause continued delays in completing these and other projects. This is assuming the financial downtrend doesn't continue.
COMMENTARY
Despite the MTA's budgetary shortfalls and disaster-bound construction schedules, it seems that the proposed project to bring the LIRR into Grand Central Terminal will not be affected. Also, as yet, we still do not know the fate of the LIRR's Main Line Corridor Improvement Project. However, with fewer than anticipated additional trains scheduled along the main line, it is becoming increasingly obvious that this project is unnecessary. At present, can the MTA rightfully continue to consider this lofty proposal with an ever growing price tag of $1.5 billion when so many other "announced improvements" and incomplete projects lie in abeyance year after year? What assurances will be given to the average taxpayer that the MTA's proposed $29.5 billion Five Year Capital Plan for 2009-2013 will not continue this trend of grandiose proposals, incomplete projects and broken promises in the future?
Taxpayers, it's time to make our voices heard.
Let your vote be your voice!
Let your vote be your voice!
