Governor Eliot Spitzer publicly lent his support Thursday to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal that may charge motorists entering Manhattan during peak hours.

Congestion pricing would take effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Battery Park to 86th Street. Using EZ Pass technology, smaller vehicles would be charged an extra $8 a day and trucks an additional $21.

The initiative's goal is to lessen midtown Manhattan traffic and reduce gas emissions, Spitzer and Bloomberg said. Congestion pricing requires the approval of the state Legislature.

"This is a necessary investment for the future of New York City, which is to a great extent the economic engine of New York State," Spitzer said.

Not everyone's in agreement about the project.

"They call it congestion pricing. We're calling it a congestion tax," said Robert Sinclair of the Automobile Club of New York. With gas prices so high, Sinclair said the toll plan is "just one more burden on the motorists of New York."

The governor said the federal government has promised to spend $380 million on the new tolls. He said the funds would also be used to offset higher fares and improve mass transit.

To watch the complete interview with Robert Sinclair from the Automobile Club of New York, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related Information: Congressional Budget Office