Transportation Roundtable: Joseph Robach

Q: The MTA’s capital plan has received criticism for its funding gap. What changes would you like to see the MTA make?

JR: The MTA remains critically important to the economy in the New York metropolitan region and continuing capital investments are needed to maintain its network. The MTA is proposing a $32 billion capital plan with a $15 billion funding gap, roughly half the size of the plan itself. It’s also worth remembering that the state Department of Transportation needs a new five-year state and local highway and bridge plan. Additionally we need to consider the needs of non-MTA transit systems. So I think we need to consider the MTA’s needs within a larger discussion of the transportation needs facing the entire state and the funds available, while remembering that state taxpayers desperately need additional tax relief.

Q: You have said you would like to see the federal government use a different funding mechanism instead of the fuel tax. What?

JR: The federal government and Congress need to find a way to reauthorize a new multi-year transportation spending program, rather than relying on short-term extensions and patches. I cannot support an increase in the federal gas tax, especially when our citizens are in need of tax relief. But discussions must continue to restore the fund’s long-term solvency. New York also needs to work hard to ensure that it gets its fair share of any available federal transportation funding.

Q: What investments Upstate would you like to see made?

JR: Achieving greater funding balance and parity for Upstate transportation needs is critically important. This includes additional investments in local roads and bridges, putting thousands of skilled laborers to work and providing them with good paying jobs that will boost our state’s economy.