AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY DEBI ROSE

STATEMENT ON PORT AUTHORITY OF NY/NJ ON PROPOSED TOLL INCREASE, CONGESTING PRICING AND 5-YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM

January 17, 2001

Good evening. My name is Debi Rose. I come before you tonight as a community activist and leader for over 25-years, as a frequent commuter on Port Authority’s Staten Island bridges and as a candidate for the 49^th City Council district this year.

I first want compliment the Port Authority staff for their ambitious 5-year capital proposed plan which I believe finally acknowledges Staten Island’s important role in the region’s transportation and economic systems. While I will detail my concerns further, I believe that the proposed plan to spend $2.3 billion over the five years, nearly 20% of the total $9 billion capital plan, on Staten Island related infrastructure improvements and repairs is a much worthy goal. I believe that Staten Island is entitled to such a significant investment of resources by the Port Authority, even if not in the total amount as proposed.

I however have deep concerns about the Port Authority’s commitment to the plan as well as to its financing of this capital plan primarily on the backs of the commuters and business. While I can not dispute the fact that the Port Authority has not raised tolls on its crossing since 1991, the question that must be answered is - Whether this is the best plan to meet the growing needs of the NY-NJ transportation network.

This is especially true of the Port Authority’s plan for congestion pricing proposal. I believe that there are still open questions about whether this system will actually reduce traffic congestion during peak hours designated by the plan. While I understand that the congestion pricing attempts to change traffic behavior by imposing a steeper toll for use of the facilities during specific times, it does not nor do I believe will not, reduce traffic at the Port Authority’s crossings. Most commuters and businesses still have the obligation to work between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Such a set standard, while becoming more flexible, will not change substantially.

I also must state my fervent opposition to the proposed elimination of the Staten Island Bridge Plan under the congestion-pricing plan. I am sure that you will hear this by most speakers tonight. To impose a 125% increase from $2 to $4.50 for the approximately 16,000 Staten Island commuters to New Jersey during peak hours is irresponsible on the part of the Port Authority. It is interesting to note that in the Port Authority’s December 14, 2000 press release announcing this proposed toll increase and price congestion plan that the justification for the peak vs. non-peak time price differences was I quote “reflect the relative availability of mass transit alternatives”. For Staten Island commuters under the Bridge Plan, there are no mass transit alternatives. While I understand from published reports that the Port Authority has reserved some money for mass transit buses to New Jersey, these drivers are without any options – other than paying more under the plan. Therefore I strongly urge the restoration of the Staten Island Bridge Plan by the Port Authority and I plan, and urge other Staten Islanders, to lobby New York’s Governor on this matter. In addition I support the inclusion of alternative public transportation methods in the Port Authority’s capital plan, including creation of light rail over the Bayonne Bridge and service to Newark Airport.

I also do not understand the Port Authority’s blind adherence to the twinning of the Goethals Bridge. While I agree that there are repair and safety issues that must be addressed on the current span, I do not agree with the Port Authority’s suggestion that the twinning is good for Staten Island. To coin a famous phrase – “If they built it, more traffic will come”! Instead of looking to divert more commuter traffic to public transportation and truck/freight traffic to rail or barge alternatives, in essence the Port Authority has given up by saying we need more capacity to meet growing demand. It appears that the Port Authority only looks at Staten Island as one of several throughways for the Northeast Corridor. We see today, even with the Staten Island Expressway Major Investment Study improvements, that Staten Island’s roadways can not currently meet the demand placed on them. By a twinning the Goethals Bridge you will be creating only greater demand for limited highway resources on Staten Island and into Brooklyn, even with congestion-pricing. I would request that you reconsider this proposed expenditure of approximately $550 million to consider alternative traffic reduction measures.

Lastly I want to thank the Port Authority for conducting this public hearing on Staten Island and I only hope that you will take these concerns seriously as you further consider this plan. Thank you.