Local lawmakers and officials are hopeful, but taking nothing for granted, when it comes to the congestion pricing scheme planned for Rockland and other west-of-Hudson commuters by the MTA. Last month, Rockland’s Republican Congressman, Mike Lawler, joined Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, a Democrat, to announce their proposed Anti-Congestion Pricing Act. The bill would prohibit federal grants from going to the MTA unless commuters get an exemption. It would also rewrite the tax code to give drivers a federal tax credit. Al Samuels is the president and CEO of the Rockland Business Association, and he says he’s optimistic the move could work out for area drivers…
Republican state Senator Bill Weber says before congestion pricing gets approved, the MTA’s books should be thoroughly reviewed…
Congestion pricing would toll vehicles around $23 entering Manhattan and going south of 60th Street. The MTA is hoping to cut down on vehicle traffic and raise revenue.