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Jul 16, 2007 4:58 pm US/Eastern
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Bloomberg Mum As Lights Go Out On Congestion Plan
Bruno Calls Defeat: 'Huge Loss For NYC, State'
by Hazel Sanchez
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Mayor Michael Bloomberg took a detour away from the media after a day of congestion pricing conversation in Albany seemingly went nowhere.
His honor's last-minute lobbying did not get the legislative approval for his plan to raise millions to clear the air and unclog the streets of Manhattan.
"I believe personally that is tragic," Sen. Majority Leader Joe Bruno said. "That is such a huge loss for the people of New York City and in New York State, and I'm really disappointed."
Bloomberg said the city stood to lose $500 million in federal funding as state leaders failed to reach a deal by midnight Monday. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he's pitching a counterproposal to the mayor's congestion pricing plan that would keep the city in the running for federal funds.
Silver's plan would create a legislative commission to study congestion pricing and have the final say on fees, zones and other ways to keep cars out of the city.
"We believe that the mayor's congestion pricing proposal is something that has never been tried here in this country," Silver said. "It's never been tried here in New York."
Silver said he wants the City Council to approve any plan before the legislature votes. Gov. Spitzer and Bruno would also have to give it a green light before the plan moves forward.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)