By Hank Russell
Local elected officials were ecstatic to learn that Long Island will be getting a share of funding for its roadway projects.
During its September 5 meeting in New York, the nine voting members of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) unanimously approved the direction of billions of dollars in federal transportation funding as recommended in its 2026-2055 Regional Transportation Plan and 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). NYMTC’s 2025 Congestion Management Process (CMP) Status Report was also approved, 9-0.
Its voting members are comprised of county executives, members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the state Department of Transportation
NYMTC is the metropolitan planning organization for New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley and coordinates the use of nearly $40 billion in federal, state and local transportation funding across the region. The amount to be distributed to Nassau and Suffolk Counties was not disclosed.
“Today’s vote reflects the strong partnership between Governor [Kathy] Hochul, county government, and labor to ensure Suffolk County—and all Long Island—receives its fair share of infrastructure funding,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, one of NYMTC’s voting members. “This is important progress, and we look forward to building on it with additional investments in roads, sewers, and mass transit in the years ahead.”
Romaine previously expressed his frustration with the lack of funding Long Island received from the state for its transportation infrastructure improvement projects. In an interview with Newsday, he threatened to veto all projects if Long Island — specifically Suffolk County — did not receive its fair share of funding. But Romaine has since changed his mind once he spoke to Hochul.
“Long Island deserves a stronger voice in these decisions, and we are grateful that the governor’s office has listened to and responded to our concerns,” Romaine said. “I will continue to advocate tirelessly to ensure Suffolk County secures the resources it needs and guarantees that we receive our fair share. This is not only a priority of my administration—it is a commitment that will guide us well into the future.”
“I applaud County Executive Ed Romaine for his leadership on this critically important issue to help ensure that Suffolk County receives its fair share,” Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) said. “ This most recent episode further highlights the need to establish the Long Island Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO.).”
(Stern and state Senator Monica Martinez [D-Brentwood] introduced a bill in Albany that would create an MPO so that more money will be directed toward Long Island.)
The 2026-2055 Regional Transportation Plan is a blueprint that guides federal funding of investments in the NYMTC planning area based on the council members’ vision for the region. It is developed collaboratively with NYMTC members, agencies, other stakeholders and the public.
Developed every four years, it covers all modes of surface transportation, including highways, streets, public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, goods movement and special needs transportation. It also addresses operations and management of the transportation system, safety, security, and regional finances.
The 2026-2030 TIP defines transportation improvements proposed for federal funding. These projects will strengthen and enhance bridges, highways, transit services, bikeways and walkways. These projects are derived from, and consistent with, NYMTC’s Regional Transportation Plan.
A geospatial representation of the Plan and TIP projects is available here.
NYMTC’s 2025 Congestion Management Process (CMP) Status Report forecasts congestion on the region’s roadways and evaluates congestion-reducing strategies. It is a federally required product that assists NYMTC’s members in enhancing the regional planning processes. The report is updated every four years in conjunction with the Plan.
“We’re delighted with the Council’s unanimous votes to adopt the Plan, the TIP and the CMP today,” said Adam S. Levine, NYMTC’s executive director. “These key action plans reflect our members’ and the public’s vision of the future of transportation usage, and how it can be developed better and safer for all users in our region. We look forward to continuing our assistance in helping our members bring all these vital projects to fruition through the needed funding.”
“A sound, modern infrastructure is the key to Long Island’s future,” Stern said. “Together, let’s focus our efforts on securing the resources we need to grow our local economy and thrive as a Long Island region for generations to come.”