Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos has announced that he has appointed Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) to succeed him as the lone suburban member of the four-member Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Capital Program Review Board. Senator Flanagan’s appointment to replace Majority Leader Skelos, who has held the position since 1998, was officially sent to Governor David Paterson on Friday.
The MTA Capital Program Review Board is responsible for reviewing, monitoring and approving the MTA's multi-billion dollar five-year capital spending programs. Members of the four-member board are appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, Assembly Speaker, the Governor and the Mayor of New York City.
"I’m confident that Senator Flanagan will do an excellent job ensuring accountability and oversight of the MTA because he represents tens of thousands of riders, he understands the importance of mass transit to the economy of the entire region, and to the day- to- day lives of commuters," Senator Skelos said. "Senator Flanagan has always been a strong advocate for riders, he has expertise in transportation issues and he will do a tremendous job."
Through Senator Skelos' leadership, the MTA is advancing its first major systems expansion, including the East Side Access project and the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway, in over 40 years.
"I thank Majority Leader Dean Skelos for this opportunity to fight for the commuters of Long Island and New York State. As the only member of the review board from the suburbs, it will be my role to protect the rights of the commuters and that is a role that I look forward to fulfilling," stated Senator Flanagan. "The MTA has often forgotten that their riders are really their customers and this appointment will provide me with the opportunity to continue the advocacy that Senator Skelos has so effectively provided."
In July 2005, the MTA Capital Program Review Board approved the MTA's current $18 billion 2005-2009 Capital Program. The MTA has publicly stated that it will be seeking a major amendment to the 2005-2009 Capital Program, requiring the Capital Program Review Board's approval, later this summer.
And negotiations will soon begin formulating of the MTA's 2010-2014 Capital Plan.
"The next couple of years are going to be absolutely crucial to the MTA and any decisions made will have a tremendous impact on the lives of New Yorkers for years to come. In my new role, I will demand that every decision - big and small - is made solely on the basis that it is good for the residents of our region and our state," added Senator Flanagan.
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