Politics on the Hudson

Despite Gov. David Paterson’s decision last week to not seek to fund a five-year $25.8 billion road and bridge plan, Senate Democrats are moving forward with holding hearings on the plan, saying it is “essential to our state’s economy and infrastructure.

Senate Transportation Chairman Martin Malavé Dilan, D-Brooklyn, announced today that the Senate will hold statewide hearings on how move ahead with the plan. Hearings are scheduled Thursday, Oct. 29, in Syracuse and Oct. 30 in Buffalo.

Dilan said that despite the state’s tough fiscal times, the five-year plan shouldn’t be dismissed outright.

“We must afford New Yorkers every opportunity to familiarize themselves with this plan. It’s no secret that the state is fiscally strained, but the long-term return on responsible investments could prove to be a turning point for local economies, not to mention the safety of our families,” Dilan said. “The state cannot immediately dismiss this plan because of its price tag.”

As Paterson yesterday was announcing legislation to stiffen penalities for truck drivers who hit bridges, Paterson reiterated that the five-year plan can’t be funded.

“We did not have the resources right now to do a five-year road and bridge plan so that’s where the state is economically,” he said.