This notice was published in August of 2022 to coincide with the release of the Environmental Assessment. For more up-to-date information, please refer to the main page of our website mta.info/CBDTP.
Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Public Hearings
Central Business District Tolling Program
The Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (an affiliate of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority), the New York State Department of Transportation, and the New York City Department of Transportation, are proposing the Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program (the Project) to reduce traffic congestion in the Manhattan CBD in a manner that will generate revenue for future transportation improvements, pursuant to acceptance into the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Value Pricing Pilot Program.
In compliance with applicable regulations implemented pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 771, an Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of, and mitigation for, the CBD Tolling Program, and has been approved by FHWA for public availability.
As a project requiring FHWA approval, the Project is subject to the requirements of Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (now codified in 23 U.S.C. §138 and 49 U.S.C. §303), and the FHWA implementing regulation, 23 CFR Part 774. In accordance with the applicable regulations, and as documented in the EA, the FHWA intends to make a de minimis impact finding for the Section 4(f) use of Central Park and the High Line by the Project. The FHWA is soliciting comments from the public on the proposed de minimis impact determination for Central Park and the High Line.
Availability of the Environmental Assessment/Public Comment Period
Recognizing the significant public interest in the Central Business District Tolling Program’s Environmental Assessment, and in response to requests, the Environmental Assessment’s public comment period will remain open an additional 14 days and close on Friday, September 23, 2022, instead of Friday, September 9, as previously announced.
The official 30-day public comment period for the EA and on the proposed Section 4(f) de minimis impact determination for the CBD Tolling Program will begin on August 10, 2022. The EA will be available for public review in hardcopy in multiple locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, including but not limited to county libraries and county clerk offices. For a list of locations, or to access the document online, visit new.mta.info/project/CBDTP/environmental-assessment or contact the CBDTP Team at 646-252-7440 or via email at: CBDTP@mtabt.org.
Comments made at the public hearings or submitted and/or postmarked by the end date, September 23, 2022, will be made part of the EA record and reflected in the FHWA’s final NEPA determination.
Virtual Public Hearings
There will be six (6) virtual Public Hearings to provide information and receive comments on the CBD Tolling Program EA at the dates and times below. Those interested in speaking will have three (3) minutes to speak.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 5–8 p.m.
Date/Time: Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Date/Time: Sunday, August 28, 2022, from 1–4 p.m.
Date/Time: Monday, August 29, 2022, from 1–4 p.m.
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 30, 2022, from 5–8 p.m.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Locations: Hearings will be virtual via Zoom and livestreamed at mta.info/CBDTP. Those who want to participate in the hearings may do so:
By PC/Tablet/Smartphone: By Phone:
Join link: https://mta.zoom.us/j/82606738045 Dial-in: 1-888-788-0099 (toll-free)
Webinar ID: 826 0673 8045 Webinar ID: 826 0673 8045, #, #
Anyone wishing to speak at the hearings will have an opportunity to do so. It is requested, but not required, that those wishing to speak sign up by 7 p.m. the previous day at new.mta.info/project/CBDTP/upcoming-meetings or by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at 646-252-6777.
Other Ways to Comment
Online: mta.info/CBDTP/comment
Email: CBDTP@mtabt.org
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004
Phone: 646-252-7440
Fax: 212-504-3148 Attn: CBDTP
Send Comments Directly to FHWA
Email: CBDTP@dot.gov
Mail: FHWA - NY Division, RE: CBDTP, Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building, 11A, Clinton Ave, Suite 719, Albany, NY 12207
Accessibility and Language Assistance Services
At the public hearings, CART Captioning and American Sign Language services will be available. Members of the public who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or the free 711 relay service, and then ask to be connected to the Public Hearing Hotline at 646-252-6777 to speak with an agent.
Members of the public who are blind or have low vision may submit an accommodation request online at new.mta.info/CBDTP/accessibility-and-language-services or call the Public Hearing Hotline at 646-252-6777. Please send the request at least five business days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Members of the public who do not have access to a computer or who do not have access to the Internet may listen to the hearings by calling 1-888-788-0099 (toll-free) then entering Webinar ID 826 0673 8045, followed by the pound (#) sign, followed again by the pound (#) sign.
If language assistance or any other accommodation is required, please submit a request at least five business days before the scheduled hearing date in one of the following ways: online at new.mta.info/CBDTP/accessibility-and-language-services, by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at 646-252-6777, or by sending a letter to MTA Government & Community Relations, Re: MTA CBDTP Public Hearings, 2 Broadway, B20.81, New York, NY 10004. For those who make a timely request for language assistance, the MTA will provide interpretation or translation.