#transit-security-grants

#transit-security-grants

On September 11, 2001, blocks away from this courthouse, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in a devastating terrorist attack that destroyed the World Trade Center. In the decades since, New York City has remained a prime target for terrorist attacks, Kaplan wrote. Among the City's foremost targets are its bridges, tunnels, and subway and commuter rail systems. The subways alone have been the subject of at least eight terrorist plots since.

The ruling, issued Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, gives the state at least another week, until Oct. 22, to make its case in court. Without the order, the DHS could have allowed the money to be returned to the U.S. Treasury. New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the agency last month, claiming the funding cut was illegal and politically motivated. Gov. Kathy Hochul joined the lawsuit, saying the decision threatened the safety of millions of daily riders.

The MTA's budget is currently balanced, but out-year gaps persist as the Authority faces substantial fiscal uncertainties, led by funding threats from the federal government, DiNapoli said. It's imperative that the MTA stay focused on improving the system and bringing riders back, which is one of the surest ways it can help stabilize its fiscal outlook at the farebox, and by following through on its savings initiatives.