FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM APRIL 25, 2019 • THE QUEENS COURIER 31
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 fi nancing costs). I predict
$12 to $13 billion in direct costs when
completed.
Th is 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.
Th e 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.
Th e 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
PRAYERS 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 Pheff er Amato
for their hard work and partnership in
eliminating the toll for Queens residents
on the Cross Bay Memorial Bridge. Th eir
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.
Th e toll was an obstacle that discouraged
people from visiting favorite restaurants,
medical practitioners, retailers, recreational
facilities and more. Th e issue
resonated loudly with Senator Addabbo
and Assemblymember Amato, who got
the job done.
Now all of Queens is open for business!
Th omas J. Grech, President and CEO,
Queens Chamber of Commerce
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