Sequestration Means Less $$$ To Harden Northeast Transit Against Future Storms

(New York, NY – WNYC) New York area transit has received a double setback, both having to do with Storm Sandy and what’s needed to recover from it: money.

Thanks to the sequester, the U.S. Department of Transportation will be disbursing five percent less in Sandy disaster relief to transit systems damaged by the storm. That means 545 million fewer dollars for the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority; the PATH Train, which connects northern New Jersey to Lower Manhattan; and transit agencies in six northeastern states battered by the storm.

The NY MTA officially learned of the funding reduction in a letter sent Tuesday from the president of the Federal Transit Administration to the authority’s acting executive director, Tom Prendergast.

“Dear Tom,” the letter began. “I have regrettable news…” ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://transportationnation.org/2013/03/06/sequestration-means-less-to-harden-northeast-transit-against-future-storms/