By Paul J. Condra
Bauer, who some last month thought would be appointed to head the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, outlined at least three places where he intends to beef up LIRR service.
Among them are $2 billion over the next five years for infrastructure improvements and new electric cars, and $4.3 billion for a 2010 project that would give the LIRR access to Grand Central Station in Manhattan. In addition, the new airtrain from JFK Airport to a completely renovated Jamaica station is expected to be completed by 2005.
Jamaica station was built in 1913 and I don't think anybody has put any money in it since then, Bauer said.
Bauer, 53, a native of Lynbrook, was fulfilling a promise he made months ago to speak to village business leaders but had to postpone due to the events of Sept. 11. In the meantime, the president's name has appeared in published reports as a leading candidate for the now-vacant position of executive director of the MTA. But as the former director, Marc Shaw, stepped down last week, a new director has yet to be chosen.
A spokesperson for the governor said he's not sure why no appointment for the MTA job has been made, only that officials are looking for an interim director.
Nothing has been finalized, Bauer said in an interview. When asked if he'd take the job if it was offered to him, he said he couldn't comment on the issue, but that he loves what [he's] doing at the Long Island Rail Road.
So while the MTA post hangs in limbo, Bauer told business leaders packed in a room at the Atria Assisted Living Center that he is fully engaged in his work to improve both the image and the performance of the LIRR.
And even with the prospect of budget cuts
