DiNapoli Sees Shortfall for MTA In Proposed Executive Budget
ALBANY—In his annual report released on Feb. 14 that assessed the proposed 2026 Executive Budget, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli noted a key issue is funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital budget. The DiNapoli report stated that the Executive Budget is providing $8 billion in operating aid to the MTA, including $3.8 billion that does not flow through the State Financial Plan but is directly provided to the MTA—an increase of $138 million from SFY 2024-25.
The Executive Budget assumes a base budget for the MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Program of $32.7 billion ($2.3 billion less than the MTA proposal), including $14.4 billion from the federal government ($400 million more than the MTA proposal), $3 billion each from the State and from New York City ($2 billion less than the MTA proposal), and $12.3 billion from the MTA ($700 million less than the MTA proposal).
“The MTA proposed a $68.4-billion capital plan; the non-Bridge and Tunnel portion was rejected by the MTA Capital Plan Review Board,” the report stated. “Were the Executive’s plan to be taken up, $35.7 billion of capital projects would not have a defined funding source. For New York City’s share of the $3 billion, the Executive Budget authorizes the State Comptroller to divert other funds paid to New York City to the MTA if the city fails to provide its share of funding.”
The report did not discuss the possible loss of revenue if the Trump Administration attempts to derail New York City’s congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide $15 billion in bond funding to be earmarked for the MTA capital plan, which is supported by revenues from the congestion tolling that began Jan. 5.