Boss urges MTA to dig deep

leagues need to get behind a strategy to bring consistent funding to the agency to make the plan a reality.

“We need to find the money to get it done and we also need to provide you with the political cover and resources to make it a reality,” Rechler said.

When it comes to funding, Mitch Pally, a board member from Long Island, said the entire region should support the plan.

“We have to make sure our residents and our elected officials understand that the success of the subway and bus system benefits everyone in the region — not just the people who live in the city,” Pally said.

With a plan in place, Gov. Cuomo said he was “not wed” to the amount transit officials cited behind closed doors, but that any money will have to come from the city and state.

Cuomo said he had seen the city’s ambivalence toward fund- ing the plan.

“If that’s the case, then the real problem is you’re not going to be able to do anything significant to fix the subways,” he said.

The governor didn’t comment on the specifics of the plan, saying he hasn’t yet reviewed it. MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said he spoke to the governor and an aide about the plan.

“I said to the chairman, the plan has to be realistic, feasible and expeditious,” Cuomo said.