Gov. David Paterson provided critical support yesterday for Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to reduce traffic by charging motorists fees in part of Manhattan.

Paterson said he supports the recommendations of the New York City Traffic Mitigation Commission. That plan, if accepted by city and state lawmakers, could draw $4.5 billion in mass transit improvements to help reduce traffic in the busiest parts of Manhattan, a measure initiated by Bloomberg.

Paterson backed the plan for a congestion pricing zone that would charge fees to use streets south of - and including - 60th Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays except on certain holidays.

Bloomberg has just a few weeks to persuade the City Council and state Legislature to approve the plan, which would charge motorists $8 to enter Manhattan's most congested area.

"Today, Governor Paterson has demonstrated true leadership by submitting a congestion pricing bill to the Legislature that will meet all of the objectives we've set," Bloomberg said of the plan to reduce traffic and air pollution and improve public safety.

He said final approval by state lawmakers would give the city access to $354 million in federal money to implement the plan.