MTA Leaves Queens Bridges Vulnerable

AAssemblymember Michael Gianaris (r.) decries the MTA's failure to provide anti-terrorism safeguards for the Triborough, Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges. At his side is Rose Marie Poveromo, United Community Civic Association president. Assemblymember Michael Gianaris (DAstoria), surrounded by community groups concerned about public safety, called on the

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

(MTA) to install anti-terrorism protections at the three Queens bridges under its control.

As of Sunday, March 5, the MTA is providing antiexplosive cable shielding only for the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, while the Port Authority is doing the same for the George Washington Bridge. No such protection is available for the Triborough, Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges, Gianaris declared.

"It is four and a half years after 9/11, and the MTA continues to drag its feet on the most basic homeland security measures," Gianaris said. "The MTA's management failures are well known, but when its ineptitude jeopardizes public safety, something must be done." In light of a report released last Thursday, March 2 by state Comptroller Alan Hevesi, Gianaris is renewing his call for the passage of legislation he introduced, known as the MTASecurity Act, which would give anti-terrorism experts oversight of security measures at MTA-controlled facilities. Hevesi's report revealed that the MTA is woefully behind schedule in its efforts to enhance security throughout New York's vulnerable transportation infrastructure.

"Our failure to make progress protecting our sensitive infrastructure is now mimicking our failure to make progress developing Ground Zero," Gianaris added. "More than four years after the worst terrorist attack in history, our inaction is a disgrace and is only inviting future disaster."

City Councilmemer John Liu, chair of the trasportation committee, agreed. "[T]he MTA needs to do its part by upgrading its security infrastructure, which Comptroller Hevesi's report reveals is way behind schedule," he declared after reviewing Hevesi's report. "The delays are inexcusable and demonstrate a lack of urgency on the part of the MTA. Sure, the MTA's expertise is transportation, not security. But the MTAneeds to understand--and understand soon--that in today's world, security is a vital component of transit infrastructure."

Gianaris is a nationally recognized leader in efforts to improve security and anti-terror measures throughout New York. In addition to his MTA Security Act, Gianaris' "Protect New York" initiatives include his successful Energy Security Act, which led to enhanced security at power plants and chemical storage facilities throughout the state. He is also a vocal leader in efforts to limit the availability of sensitive data over the Internet through satellite photo services such as Google Earth.

Joining Gianaris at the press conference were United Community Civic Association President Rose Marie Poveromo, 114th Police Precinct Community Council President Ann Bruno, and 114th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (Civ-OP) President Jim Pollack.