Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander Praising Governor Hochul’s Decision to Pause Highway Expansion Projects

New York, NY — Following decisions by Governor Kathy Hochul to pause highway expansion projects slated for New York State Route 17 and the Cross Bronx Expressway, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement:

“Two years ago in our report Shifting Gears, I called for New York State to move away from outdated highway expansion policies and instead prioritize funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reduce congestion and emissions, repair aging infrastructure, and improve safety and accessibility for all New Yorkers.

“Last week, after advocacy from thousands of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation tabled two major highway expansion projects — Route 17 in upstate New York and the Cross Bronx Expressway — signaling a long-overdue shift away from decades of harmful transportation policies, and toward projects that prioritize safety, sustainability, and community health.

“In the face of petty and illegal funding rollbacks from the Trump Administration, Governor Hochul has repeatedly stood up for New York’s transit infrastructure—keeping congestion pricing on track, moving forward with capital funding for the MTA, and making these two important decisions to pause misguided highway expansion projects.

“New Yorkers are grateful to have a Governor who defends mass transit from bullies in Washington who have never stepped foot onto the subway.”

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