New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D - 13th A.D.) announced Assembly passage of legislation he sponsored for a commission which will develop a plan for New York City traffic mitigation. The commission goal is to develop a plan to address severe congestion in Manhattan and its related public health, environmental and economic consequences (A.9362).

The New York City Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission will be composed of 17 members appointed by state and city officials to develop a plan to curb worsening traffic congestion in the city.

"Swelling traffic is unhealthy for our city and its residents - and we need to adequately address this issue," Lavine said. "However, we must proceed with caution. We need to conduct a thorough review of the plan to ensure there's not an adverse impact on the neighborhoods surrounding Manhattan as well as on the visitors and commuters who help our city thrive."

The commission will conduct public hearings and review the city's plan as well as other traffic mitigation proposals. It will then develop a comprehensive plan that will be subject to review and approval by the State Legislature by March 31, 2008. Under the legislation, the city can begin necessary preparatory steps, but cannot impose any congestion pricing fees until the implementation plan has been approved by the State Legislature.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has set aside $1.1 billion in funding to be distributed nationwide to foster innovative approaches to reduce traffic congestion. According to Lavine, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation is expected to make final decisions on the submitted proposals by Aug. 8, 2007. New York's mitigation plan will be repealed if the U.S.D.O.T. fails to commit at least $250 million by Oct. 1, 2007.

"This legislation is a more thoughtful measure that takes into consideration the various plans that have surfaced to relieve the traffic congestion that stymies city residents, workers and visitors," Lavine said. "And it will be done in a deliberate and thorough way, ensuring that no rash decisions are made on this vitally important issue."

As an additional precaution, the plan will sunset on June 30, 2012, unless reauthorized by the Legislature.