Trump Administration Threatens City And State Over 34th Street Busway - Streetsblog New York City

"The Federal Highway Administration is threatening to withhold funding or federal approvals for other projects unless the city and state DOT stop work on the 34th Street busway and convince the feds it should happen."

"In a letter sent to the city and state DOT on Oct. 16, Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster wrote that "FHWA is concerned about the lack of coordination between NYCDOТ, NYSDOT, and the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Council on this regionally significant project," while claiming 34th Street as a route on the National Highway System."

"McMaster's letter cited vague "planning" concerns as well as questions about "truck access, and whether the busway can safely and efficiently accommodate large vehicle deliveries." According to McMaster's letter, the FHWA had sent a letter demanding information on the project on Sept. 8, which he says DOT and the MTA ignored. In the Oct. 16 letter, McMaster demanded the city "cease and desist all activities to implement the 34th Street busway project immediately, until a meeting occurs between NYCDOT, NYSDOT, and FHWA to discuss the project and its implications.""

FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster sent an Oct. 16 letter demanding that New York City and New York State DOT halt implementation of the 34th Street busway until FHWA meets with NYCDOT and NYSDOT. FHWA cites lack of coordination with NYMTC and asserts that 34th Street is on the National Highway System. The agency raised planning concerns, truck access, and whether the busway can safely accommodate large deliveries. FHWA says a Sept. 8 information request was ignored and warned it may withhold project authorizations, restrict funding obligations, limit transfers, or take other actions if work continues. The extent of federal enforcement remains unclear.

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