A federal Finding of No Significant Impact moves the program closer to implementation, which could happen as early as May 2024.
“The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for New York City’s Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP), also known as congestion pricing, following a 30-day public review of the Final Environmental Assessment,” according to an article by Mischa Wanek-Libman in Mass Transit Magazine.
The FONSI signals another step forward for the program. Now, the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) will have to develop a toll structure and set up the necessary equipment.
“The program will charge vehicles a toll for traveling in Manhattan south of and inclusive of 60th Street, excluding through-traffic on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive, West Side Highway, Battery Park Underpass and roadway portions of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street.” It would be the first of its kind in a U.S. city. New Jersey officials have opposed the program, arguing it disproportionately impacts New Jersey residents who commute into New York City. But as a Streetsblog NYC article pointed out in 2021, the New Jersey commuters who would be subject to the congestion tax are overwhelmingly wealthier than those who use transit.
More on New York City’s congestion pricing program:
FULL STORY: FHWA issues FONSI for NYC congestion pricing
Tri-State Economies to Lose Billions From Congestion Pricing Pause
New York City’s congestion pricing program, suspended by Governor Hochul earlier this year, would have pumped $12 billion into local projects and jobs.
NYC Traffic Moving At Under 7 MPH, Congestion Pricing Remains Suspended
Congestion is making driving in the city slower than ever.
Congestion Pricing Compromise?
A CBS News New York report suggests that Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering lifting her ‘indefinite pause’ on the Manhattan congestion pricing project if the $15 toll was lowered. Litigation threatened by the NYC comptroller may be a factor.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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