WASHINGTON?President Bush on Thursday delivered the $20 billion in federal aid he promised to seek to help New York recover from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “It is essential that New York City come back, and come back strong,” Bush said.

Bush stood with New York’s mayor, the state’s governor and its congressional delegation to announce proposed new spending that brought the federal package to nearly $21.4 billion, including a “Liberty Zone” tax relief plan for lower Manhattan. The assistance is subject to congressional approval.

Gov. George Pataki assured Bush that the state’s elected officials “will make sure every nickel is spent appropriately, and intelligently, to help the people of New York.”

The new aid announced by Bush includes $2.75 billion for cleanup and rebuilding costs. It also contains $1.8 billion for transit upgrades and $750 million for community development.