Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced today that she is introducing legislation that would require the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to publicly release their capital plans and project lists prior to passage of the state budget. Over the past several years the list of statewide projects has not been made available until months after the budget has been finalized due to the current unregulated process.

“This bill is about increasing transparency and accountability so the public can have a sense of what improvements they might see in their own communities as a result of taxpayer funded capital projects. Implementing reporting requirements that already govern the MTA’s planning process will go a long way in creating an efficient system that allows for more voices in the decision making process,” said Rozic.

Unlike the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), NYSDOT is not statutorily required to submit a five-year capital plan. Rather, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the governor and the legislature have often accompanied the list of projects and included reporting requirements – the last of which was signed in 2013. Despite a 2015-16 project list having been made available in September 2015, the MOU for that budget cycle remains unsigned and unavailable for public viewing.

While MOUs have previously served as a critical tool in outlining important agreements, it is clear that a legislative solution is needed to ensure fiscally-responsible use of state tax dollars and transparency in the planning process. Passage of this bill would require NYSDOT to submit five-year and twenty-year intermodal transportation plans by October 2016, and every fifth year thereafter. It would also require the annual submittal of a list of projects, in October prior to annual state budget negotiations.

Further, to allow for legislative and public input, capital plans, project lists and related items would be posted online and subject to hearings and comment. The timely release of these financial details would allow the public and the legislature to effectively participate in decisions about spending on the State’s road, bridge, bus and rail infrastructure.

“Recently, Albany’s budgeting process for transportation has been done in an opaque, black box, with billions of dollars being budgeted behind closed doors. New York taxpayers deserve better – we need a transparent, thoughtful and public process when it comes to our roads, bridges and transit networks. Kudos to Assemblywoman Rozic and members of the NYS Assembly for introducing this bill which will shine a light on the capital planning process,” said Veronica Vanterpool, Executive Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

“Since 1982, the MTA has been required by state law to issue six five-year capital plans. That has made all the difference, with smart planning winning transit riders thousands of new rolling stock, scores of station overhauls and hundreds of replaced track and modern signals,” said Gene Russianoff of NYPIRG. “The repair of highways, bridges, roads and tunnels would benefit greatly from a similar regular planning process.”

“Transportation is such a vital part of economic development, and the day to day lives of millions of New Yorkers. It is only appropriate that the plans for our state’s roads and bridges be given more transparency. I am sponsoring this legislation, because I believe the public should know in advance where their tax dollars are spent when it comes to something as important as New York State’s future infrastructure plans,” said Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica).

“This is common sense legislation that will help to increase transparency and accountability for state DOT projects. Under state law the MTA is required to release their plans and involve the public, and the same should be true for state DOT projects upstate. Long-range planning will help to ensure that our infrastructure needs are being met in Western New York. Careful planning of upgrades to our roads, bridges, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure requires input from the public, given the fact that we utilize this infrastructure each and every day,” said Assemblyman Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo).