A 17-member commission will be formed to study the issue and approval is still needed from the legislature. Spitzer said that the federal money is still available, but declined to characterize the new timetable as any kind of extension.

Spitzer, who last week was ensnared in stories about his temperament and outbursts, stressed the fact, in quite earnest terms, that the Three Men were able to reach some sort of common ground.

“That is the affirmative process of crafting legislation,” he said.