Trump's Controversial New Rule: NYC Transit Funding in Jeopardy
A new order from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a former reality-TV star, links federal transportation funding to marriage and birth rates. This means that to secure funding for crucial projects like the Second Avenue Subway and the Gateway Project, New York City may need to prioritize communities with higher marriage and birth rates than the national average.
Unexpected Conditions for Funding
The order also includes these controversial stipulations:
- The MTA must cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- No mask or vaccine mandates can be enforced on federally funded transit projects.
This decision has sparked controversy and uncertainty. MTA chairman Janno Lieber stated that the MTA will follow the law and cooperate with ICE when investigating criminal activity. However, the practicality and legality of prioritizing communities based on marriage and birth rates remain unclear.
Major NYC Projects at Risk
Numerous vital transportation projects rely heavily on federal funding:
- Second Avenue Subway: Phase 2 relies on $3.4 billion in federal funds.
- Gateway Project: This project, including the new Hudson River tunnel, depends on $6.9 billion in federal funding.
- Interborough Express: This $5.5 billion project is expected to rely on approximately $3 billion in federal funds.
- BQE repairs: The city is seeking federal grants for the repair and redesign of this crucial roadway.
Senator Chuck Schumer expressed confidence in securing continued funding for New York's transit network despite the new rule.
The future of these essential projects now hangs in the balance, raising concerns about the city's infrastructure and transportation planning.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!