A federal judge recently threw out key arguments from opponents suing to end the program and is expected to rule on the MTA’s case this fall. Meanwhile, local lawmakers like Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani and Adrienne Adams are lining up behind the tolls. Even former Governor Cuomo, once a critic, is cooling his opposition.

The FHWA said it would start withholding project funds from Manhattan next month and later expand to other areas if the state refuses to halt its tolling program.

The administration has demanded the tolling program end by late May, arguing that it unfairly burdens working-class commuters.