New York to get $354.5 million in DOT funds for congestion relief

New York to get $354.5 million in DOT funds for congestion relief The U.S. Department of Transportation said it will give funding to five cities, including New York, to help fight traffic congestion.
   Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said New York will get nearly half, or $354.5 million, of the $848.1 million in grants to fight traffic gridlock.
   In New York, the funds would be used for programs such as improved bus and ferry services, and would also help pay for Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s controversial proposal for imposing high fees on cars and trucks entering much of Manhattan during the daytime, But estimates are that the city still needs another $200 million if it is going to implement that plan.
   The so-called “congestion pricing” proposal has been opposed by many trucking and delivery companies as well as commuters into Manhattan.
   In addition to New York, DOT said it was providing these cities or regions with the following amounts: San Francisco, $158.7 million; Seattle area, $138.7 million; Minneapolis area, $133.3 million; and Miami, $62.9 million.