Time to invest in state infrastructure

The recent bridge collapse in Minnesota reminds us of our own disaster when a New York State Throughway span collapsed in 1987, taking six lives.

These tragedies highlight our ongoing dependence on a sound and efficient transportation system. Many New Yorkers take the availability of such a system for granted.

New York has always supported its infrastructure with federal and state funds. These funds are mandated to provide "dedicated" support for transportation construction, and utilize fuel taxes as their main source of revenue. The reality is that they are inadequate. The rising cost of building materials and the high debt load (with resultant overbearing interest payments) are outstripping fuel-tax collections.

Meanwhile, the need to invest in our infrastructure grows. The bridges and highways built decades ago need to be replaced or renovated. New York State's bridge conditions are ranked among the worst in America. This is why New York passed a bond act in 2005 to improve the highways and bridges of the state, and why Gov. Spitzer ordered a speed-up on inspections.

While New York does deserve credit for starting some major transportation projects - East Side access, Second Avenue subway, extension of the 7 line, the I-86 completion - there are other important projects that lack necessary funding. For instance, the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement and a freight train tunnel to Brooklyn.

New York City Comptroller William Thompson Jr., along with City Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman David Weprin, recently proposed the creation of a commission to document infrastructure deterioration. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, a Queens Democrat, and State Sen. Martin Golden, a Brooklyn Republican, introduced legislation to require a new commission to issue annual reports on the state of the infrastructure.

The Business and Labor Coalition of New York strongly supports these efforts. BALCONY believes the time is long overdue to reexamine how we fund our transportation system. Spitzer pledged a major infrastructure initiative during his campaign; now is the time to deliver.

The dedicated fund must be "dedicated." Businesses large and small need to be reassured that reasonable investments to preserve our transportation system will support their needs. All New Yorkers need to know that there will be a safe and efficient transportation system that they can rely on now and in the future.

Bruce Ventimiglia is co-chairman of the Business and Labor Coalition of New York.

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