WILL ALBANY APPROVE THE CONGESTION PRICING PLAN?

The New York State Legislature has to choose between approving a congestion pricing plan by March 31 or losing more than $300 million in federal money that would go toward implementing the program. Only 10% of you thought the plan will go through on the first try, and the rest of the voters were much more pessimistic, or perhaps realistic. A solid 60% think the plan needs work and the legislature needs more convincing, while nearly one third thought the measure might never pass. Neysa Pranger, the Regional Plan Association's director of public affairs, weighs in on the issue. Pranger tells us why she and RPA support the plan but don't know if the state legislature will pass it.

"Albany should pass this plan. It would allow major transportation improvements to continue. The legislature has been known to ignore deadlines and commission recommendations in the past. Fortunately, the federal government is generous and usually will give us a second chance to file. The plan faces hurdles, such as getting over assembly democrats, but these hurdles can be overcome.

"We have a good road map in front of us. We think the plan is excellent. A lot needs to happen to get it to pass. It will be helpful when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority releases its five-year capital rebuilding plan.