By Philip Newman
Should the Metropolitan Transportation Authority buy the Williamsburg and Manhattan bridges and turn them into toll bridges as a step toward relief from its worsening financial straits?
That was one of many suggestions put forth to the Ravitch Commission, which has been studying the problem before issuing its analysis and advice in December. Proceeds from tolls would go toward operating the MTA.
Lucius Riccio, former city Department of Transportation commissioner, testified Sept. 15, explaining that his recommendation would bypass otherwise necessary approval by the state Legislature. Riccio suggested the MTA might pay the city $1 for each bridge.
Some advocates of putting tolls on the bridges have included the Williamsburg and Brooklyn bridges.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said putting tolls on the Williamsburg and Manhattan bridges without tolling the Brooklyn and Queensborough bridges would create disruptions of traffic by motorists trying avoid the bridges on which there were tolls.
City Councilman Lewis Fidler (D-Brooklyn) called for a regional payroll tax to be paid by residents of nine counties, including two in New Jersey.
City Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) said the MTA must not remain so heavily dependent on revenues from real estate taxes as a primary source of funds.
“The MTA must also look at private resources to fund capital projects,” Liu said.
Ed Watt, secretary-treasurer of the Transport Workers Union and a non-voting MTA board member, said the state should hike the tax on petroleum as a means of raising revenue for the agency.
The MTA faces at least a $1.2 billion budget gap in less than two years as the result of a variety of factors, including massive borrowing to make up for a cutoff of money for its Capital Program by the administration of Gov. George Pataki. The cost of metal, concrete and steel have all risen due to a worldwide building boom.
The 13-member Ravitch Commission was appointed by Gov. David Paterson and carries the name of Richard Ravitch, who took over the MTA at a time when the subway system was in shambles and little money appeared to be available to rescue it.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 136.
