### Hochul Reaches Out to President-Elect Trump for Federal Aid Cooperation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she has extended a conciliatory hand to President-elect Trump during a phone call on Thursday, aiming to establish common ground on essential projects like infrastructure that depend on federal assistance.

Speaking at a political event in Puerto Rico on Friday, Hochul described the conversation with Trump as "very cordial," asserting her willingness to collaborate with any administration for the benefit of New York. "I basically just reaffirmed there are areas we can work together, like infrastructure, where we rely on federal money, and he seems to share my priorities," Hochul noted, according to Politico.

During the call, Hochul emphasized the necessity of federal funds for several high-profile infrastructure initiatives, including the extension of the Second Avenue Subway in Manhattan. She also highlighted the critical upgrades needed at Penn Station, described previously by Hochul as a "hell hole," which has deteriorated into a refuge for the homeless. The overhaul of Penn Station, amounting to an estimated $17 billion, would involve significant construction efforts, including the demolition of city blocks.

This ambitious plan is closely tied to the $16 billion Gateway Project, which aims to construct a new tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey, while refurbishing the century-old tracks at Penn Station, which have suffered extensive damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. "I want Penn Station to be something that we're all proud of. I said it can be beautiful. And he agreed," Hochul said of her conversation with Trump.

Securing federal funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) remains a key concern, with an additional financing proposal tied to implementing congestion pricing in Lower Manhattan. Although Trump has previously opposed and threatened to terminate this initiative, which would have imposed $15 tolls on vehicles, Hochul had already shelved the controversial proposal during the summer.

Trump, speaking at a Bronx rally in May, pledged to "save" his hometown and initiate rapid improvements. Despite this, Hochul remains firm on defending the rights of New Yorkers. Following Trump's election win, both Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James have vowed to protect state residents from potential federal encroachments on issues like abortion, civil rights, immigration, gun control, and LGBTQ rights. Before the election, Hochul had voiced strong criticism of a potential Trump presidency, arguing that a vote in his favor would signify a stance against fundamental American values.