When the state foot the bill, it was cheaper...

In July 2008, when New York State DoT was paying for the expansion of the lot, it was a $2.8 million project. This was at the height of costs in terms of materials (remember gas was $150 a barrell?), and now we're in a recession - construction projects are scarce (cheap labor) and commodities are cheap. Why is this a $3 million project a year later?

NY STATE Transit Improvement Budget
X806.39, Expansion of the Eltingville Transit Center (Park and Ride Lot) adding 117 additional spaces to satisfy increasing commuter demand. Total Cost: $2,800,000 (Sponsor: NYSDOT)