Governor Andrew Cuomo is asking for President Donald Trump to offer federal assistance in fixing Penn Station, where maintenance and repairs have led to big problems for commuters.
“I request that the federal government treat this as an emergency situation and provide funding for the short-term Penn construction and transportation alternatives and facilitation of a long-term resolution for Penn Station,” Cuomo said in a letter to Trump.
Commuters have faced big delays and have dealt with canceled trains because of problems at Penn Station. More delays are expected this summer as major repair work begins.
“As in most emergencies, this is not a political issue and bipartisan officials will agree that we need immediate help. This situation affects the entire northeast region," Cuomo said
Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have also called on Amtrak to hand over control of Penn Station to a private operator. Cuomo said that Amtrak doesn’t have the funds and expertise to consistently invest and manage the operations. He said the state has provided record funding to the MTA, but federal assistance is still needed.
“As a New Yorker, I think you know the severity of the situation and you know that if the state has the financial and operating support, we will get the job done,” Cuomo said.
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