According to Streetsblog NYC, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has informed FHWA it is willing to “spend tens of millions to mitigate possible air-quality impacts from congestion pricing in the Bronx and other neighborhoods.” The proposed “mitigation package” would cost $130 million over five years, nearly all of which would be provided by congestion pricing toll revenue. The measures are partially set out in a “a closely guarded document obtained by Streetsblog” that reveals “MTA is moving swiftly to address concerns from Bronx elected officials, as well as Mayor Adams, after the environmental assessment of the central business district tolling scheme predicted a slight increase in pollution in the Bronx and on Staten Island as some drivers and truckers seek to avoid the Manhattan toll.” One proposal involves “lowering overnight toll rates, and getting the city DOT to expand its off-hours truck delivery program, in an effort to encourage overnight freight delivery when there is less traffic.” FHWA would not comment on specific program concessions, stating only that it is “diligently working towards a decision” on the environmental assessment submitted by MTA last August.
