The federal government has given final approval for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's congestion pricing plan.

The plan would charge motorists driving into Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours between $9 and $24.

The federal government said that the plan will not hurt the region's environment.

It could take effect next year.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "Congestion pricing will reduce traffic in our crowded downtown, improve air quality and provide critical resources to the MTA. I am proud of the thorough environmental assessment process we conducted, including responding to thousands of comments from community members from across the region. With the green light from the federal government, we look forward to moving ahead with the implementation of this program."