There is even more to “Focus on service, Gov., not 3rd track” (Letter to the Editor by Ann V. Corbett of Floral Park — June 8).
Regardless of whether you are for or against, it is the method for funding Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board’s approval of financing the Long Island Rail Roads proposed Main Line Third Track project that concerns riders and taxpayers.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan was approved by the MTA Board last month. It added $3 billion to the MTA 2015-2019 $29 Billion five-year capital program raising it to $32 billion.
It is paid for by adding $1.6 billion in MTA long-term debt.
Over the past 30 years, estimates for construction of the Main Line third track have grown from $600 million to $1.5 billion two years ago and $2 billion today.
The final cost could be even higher when completed in four years.
As part of this MTA Capital Plan Amendment, the Main Line Third Track receives $1.95 billion for a total cost of $2 billion.
Second Avenue subway Phase 2 receives $700 million leaving a $4.3 billion shortfall toward the estimated $6 billion cost.
The Main Line Third Track Environmental Impact Statement was found to be in compliance with the state Environmental Quality Review Act.
Why has Gov. Cuomo, the MTA Board and other project supporters never questioned why the National Environmental Protect Action process was not followed?
Without compliance with NEPA, you forfeit any opportunity to access U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration or Federal Highway Administration funding.
Why did Gov. Cuomo, the MTA Board, MTA HQ and LIRR senior leadership not want to preserve the option to apply for U.S. DOT FTA capital funding for this project?
Was it to avoid federal oversight over the project from the environmental review process through construction?
In 2005, the project was following NEPA with the intention of applying to U.S. DOT FTA for construction funding.
In response to both community and political opposition from elected officials, the project was cancelled by that generations senior MTA and LIRR management team.
Elimination for each of seven grade crossings as part of the Main Line Third Track scope of work could average between $50 to $100 million for a total cost between $350 to $700 million.
The price per crossing elimination is impacted by going either below or over the existing tracks. Another lost federal funding source is the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration.
U.S. DOT FHWA would also require following NEPA to maintain eligibility for funding.
Why did they not want to preserve the option to apply for U.S. DOT FHWA capital funding for this part of the project?
President Trump has proposed a 10-year trillion dollar infrastructure program starting with $200 billion in upcoming federal fiscal year 2018. Sen. Schumer and Democrats would approve even more.
This is one program which Democrats and Republicans, city, suburban and transit advocates might agree.
Why did they decide to miss out on this and other potential federal funding by not following NEPA?
In less than 24 hours after the MTA Board approved $2 billion in funding to pay for the LIRR Main Line Third Track, the Long Island Business Association began running a series of ongoing television commercials.
They continue to this day running in heavy rotation several times per hour on New 12.
This media blitz was followed by a four-page ad “Long Island Needs the LIRR’s Third Track Now” co-sponsored by the Long Island Business Association and The Rauch Foundation.
The ad appeared in Newsday on June 1.
Was there a relationship between labor unions, construction contractors, consulting firms, research institutions and other members of the business community who support this project and listed in the ad?
Have any endorsed or given campaign contributions to Cuomo’s 2018 re-election campaign commonly known as “Pay for Play”?
Have any benefited by previous grants or contracts awarded by state agencies controlled by Cuomo?
All of this was followed by mass mailings paid for by New York State Laborer’s PAC to voters represented by Elaine Phillips and other state senators who oppose Main Line third track.
Are all of these activities coincidence or part of a well organized campaign by Gov. Cuomo’s office to insure the Main Line Third Track goes forward?
Will any newspaper or other media outlet assign an investigative reporter to research this story?
Both Newsday or News 12 have financially benefited by these expenditures and may be compromised.
As a result, I doubt that either would follow up with a probing story.
Always independent Blank Media Publications has afforded both those for and those against Main Line third track space in your papers.
Perhaps you might want to step up and assign one of your excellent experienced reporters to this story?
The results of any investigation might prove to be very interesting to your readers.
After the MTA Board approval for funding the Main Line third track, there is one remaining action necessary to proceed.
The Albany MTA four-member Capital Program Review Board must also approve this $3 billion dollar MTA Capital Plan Amendment.
Gov. Cuomo, state Senate Majority Leader John Flannigan, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio each appoint one member.
This is the final step necessary to legally increase the MTA 2015-2019 five-year capital plan from $29 billion to $32 billion.
Regardless if you are pro or con, you must give those handful of state senators, local village mayors and residents such as Ms. Ann V. Corbett of Floral Park for assuming the role of David in their battles with Goliath (Gov. Cuomo and friends) over the Main Line third track.
Transparency continues to be needed on behalf of taxpayers and commuters who will ultimately have to pay for the $2 billion borrowed plus interest by the MTA to pay for the Main Line third track.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
