Blue Spot

Deal struck on new congest plan

ALBANY, N.Y. - A plan that could use tolls to cut Manhattan's choking traffic and air pollution while creating a potential national model to combat global warming was put back on track Thursday.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and legislative leaders agreed three days after a federal deadline passed on a way to keep the mayor's proposal in the running to become a national pilot program and to keep New York eligible for up to $500 million in federal funding.

The Manhattan toll proposal will now be taken up by a commission that will decide how to implement the overall plan, and whether it should keep Bloomberg's tolls of $8 for most drivers entering Manhattan. The state Legislature will ultimately have until March 31 to consider its recommendations.

Labels: Local