FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2008

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PATERSON ON PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA’S CALL FOR NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

“This morning, President-elect Barack Obama proposed the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s. I applaud this call to action. At a time when our country faces a severe economic crisis, we must ensure that critical investments in our infrastructure remain a priority for our state and national government. Failure to fund these projects hurts our businesses, our families, our children and our future.

“President-elect Obama's statement today is further evidence that he is committed to reversing our economic downturn, and recognizes the importance of not giving up on the plans and projects that keep our nation running.

“A major new commitment to infrastructure investment will create jobs, stimulate the economy and restore confidence that the United States is moving forward as we repair our economy and return to prosperity. In New York, we know how difficult a time this is to be dependent upon government aid. And I agree with my colleagues that President-elect Obama's call for a 'use-it-or-lose-it' concept is a smart and fair approach to sharing these limited federal funds.

“What this means is simple: If the federal government allocates these limited dollars to a state, that state must use them, or they will be given to a state more willing and able to get projects completed. For New York, using these funds to make vital improvements will not be difficult – we already have more than 40 shovel-ready programs for improving highways and bridges, and have more than 58 waste water treatment and green infrastructure projects ready to go. Higher education, parks, broadband, and economic development are just a few other areas waiting for federal funds so important projects can begin. But this approach will only work with the caveat that the federal government must streamline the approval process so that projects that are planned, approved and funded can break ground.

“This is an exciting time – President-elect Obama is offering solutions that will create a true federal-state partnership. I hope we continue this work, as we look to expand Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentages (FMAP), block grants and food stamps, and invest in green jobs and better healthcare. But time is of the essence – I support President-elect Obama's infrastructure proposal and encourage my colleagues in other states to push for its adoption.”