WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES APRIL 25, 2019 13
ANOTHER AUDIT
ISN’T ENOUGH
Governor Cuomo’s call for
performing another independent audit
on the MTA’s Long Island Rail Road East
Side Access to Grand Central Terminal
is putting lipstick on a pig.
Since 2001, the total direct cost for
the project has grown from $3.5 billion
in 2001 to $11.2 billion today (plus $600
million more in financing costs). I
predict $12 to $13 billion in direct costs
when completed.
This does not include $4 billion more
for indirect costs known as “readiness
projects” carried off line from the
offi cial project budget.
Based upon past history, the fi nal
cost will go up again by a $1 billion
or more. The promised opening
service date has slipped on numerous
occasions from 2009 to December 2022.
Don’t be surprised if this ends up in
2023 or later.
A detailed project risk assessment
by the Federal Transit Administration
independent engineer as part of the
FTA - MTA 2016 amended ESA Full
Funding Grant Agreement predicted
a fi nal cost of $12 billion.
The MTA has repeatedly increased
the budget by billions and pushed back
the fi rst day of service by 13 years.
Cuomo’s promised “forensic audit”
is a waste of time and money. Another
audit will not result in any signifi cant
changes.
Larry Penner, Great Neck
PRAYING FOR
FRANCE
I am greatly saddened concerning
the fi re in Paris at the Notre Dame
Cathedral. For centuries the Cathedral
stood proud and strong and where
many visited and prayed.
As a Catholic and as Grand Knight
of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus
council # 5911 in Douglaston, I therefore
extend my heartfelt prayers to all
and to the people of France who lost
so much.
As French President Emmanuel
Macron said, “We will rebuild.” He
lamented the terrible tragedy had
befallen the Roman Catholic cathedral
and pledge to rebuild it ,calling the
house of worship, our history, our
literature, our imagination.” It truly
is a sad day for France and the world.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.,
Glen Oaks Village
THANKS FOR
TOLL REBATE
On behalf of the Queens Chamber
of Commerce (QCC), I want to publicly
thank Senator Joe Addabbo and
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer
Amato for their hard work and
partnership in eliminating the toll
for Queens residents on the Cross Bay
Memorial Bridge. Their advocacy and
ability to work cooperatively with the
MTA will help businesses thrive on
both sides of the bridge.
Ever since the QCC’s fi rst Queens
Day in Albany, eliminating the toll has
been one of our legislative priorities.
We discussed it with every senator
and assembly member with whom
we met in Albany. The toll was an
obstacle that discouraged people
from visiting favorite restaurants,
medical practitioners, retailers,
recreational facilities and more. The
issue resonated loudly with Senator
Addabbo and Assemblymember
Amato, who got the job done.
Now all of Queens is open
for business!
Thomas J. Grech, President and
CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce
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SNAPS
AFTER THE RAIN IN SUNNYSIDE
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