The MTA is formally calling on Amtrak to reconsider its plan to keep one of the four East River Tunnels linking to Penn Station out of service for three years while it carries out Superstorm Sandy repairs — an "extremely risky" strategy that could result in rush hour shut downs of Long Island Rail Road service, according to the LIRR’s president.

A war of words has broken out between Amtrak and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul over a repair plan for the East River tunnels that could affect the commute of tens of thousands of people in the New York City area.

Responding to criticism on a number of fronts, Amtrak President Roger Harris said the company’s plan for repairs to New York’s East River Tunnel is “the safest, most efficient, reliable, and timely to complete the full rehabilitation