Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) recently participated in the joint budget hearing on transportation. During the hearing, McDonough questioned Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald about the ongoing work on the Hempstead Turnpike and interim Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Thomas Prendergast, about possible changes to the LIRR following a year of platform-related tragedies.

“Long Island families struggle each day with transportation-related issues, be it on the LIE or the LIRR,” said McDonough. “However, I was extremely pleased to hear from Commissioner McDonald that she expects the Hempstead Turnpike project to begin moving forward again after the damage suffered during Hurricane Sandy. It was also reassuring to hear that the MTA is looking into ways to address the recent increase in platform-related tragedies. I hope they are able to find a cost-effective and efficient way to improve the safety at stations along the LIRR.”

McDonough serves as the ranking minority member on the Assembly Transportation Committee.