June 01, 2008
TRANSPORTATION

MTF Urges Legislature to Scale Back Governor’s $3 Billion Bridge Program

In testimony before the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets on June 4, MTF President Michael J. Widmer called on the Legislature to cap the Governor's bridge program at $1 billion. Mr. Widmer noted that there are no new revenues included in the Governor's proposal which simply advances $3 billion in future capital spending, stripping transportation officials of critical resources from 2015 through 2030. MTF also recommended that the Legislature provide greater oversight of the bridge program, requiring that the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works submit a centralized management and staffing plan to ensure that the state has sufficient expertise and controls to manage the program successfully.