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.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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