Governor Kathy Hochul announced her plan to pull $1.3 billion intended for the Penn Station overhaul as budget negotiations continue. She stated these funds may help address fare evasion issues. Hochul criticized the Trump administration’s decision to shift project leadership from the MTA to Amtrak, framing it as a federal responsibility. She humorously suggested renaming the station 'Trump Station' if it saves state funds, indicating her willingness to find a practical solution amid a nearing budget agreement. A resolution is expected shortly as talks progress towards finalizing the $252 billion budget proposal.
"The process is closing down and we're getting to a good place," Hochul said, noting that a deal could be announced as early as Saturday morning.
"I will just say thank you for taking over this. I expect to see immediate progress given how efficiency is so important to you..."
"It would not be my favorite thing to call it, but it'll save us $1.3 billion that I'm not planning to spend," Hochul said.
She continued framing the Department of Transportation's move as a victory, saying it put the onus of funding and carrying out the massive project... on the feds.
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