New York congestion charge gets major boost

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

NEW YORK (AFP) — Plans by New York City authorities to introduce a traffic congestion charge received a major boost Tuesday, when federal officials unveiled more than 350 million dollars in funding.

The package is dependent upon New York state lawmakers approving either a congestion charge as outlined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg earlier this year or a similar mechanism to reduce gridlock in the city and improve air quality.

"We've worked very hard to secure these funds, and this is a major victory for the people of New York City," Bloomberg said in a statement.

"By fulfilling the terms of the agreement, we will be able to create new and better mass transit options for commuters all across the city before congestion pricing takes effect," he added.

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