Influential Long Island business group worries over 'devastating' effects of LIRR shutdown

Ahead of the looming LIRR shutdown, a heavily influential Long Island business group expressed worries any shutdown could pose "devastating" effects. 

In a statement, Stacey I. Sikes, the Long Island Association's acting president and CEO, said a strike "would impact the millions of workers, customers, and visitors who rely on it each week."

"The LIA is deeply concerned about the economic consequences as we head into peak tourism season on Long Island, including lost tax revenue and sales, as well as increased traffic congestion. We urge all parties to reach a swift resolution," Sikes wrote. 

She cited several news articles that outlined potential economic consequences of a shutdown, including one from Newsday that reported an estimated $70 million in economic losses to the region daily.